As energy prices increase, homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills and reliance on expensive grid electricity. Both solar panels and wind turbines can reduce your energy bills, lower carbon emissions and decrease reliance on the grid. Choosing between them depends on your budget, location and energy goals.
Cost
Solar panels are the cheaper option, costing around £5,500 to £8,500 for a small solar PV system. System additions such as diverters, batteries or EV chargers can increase your initial investment, but can bring additional savings. As solar panels have no moving parts, there are minimal maintenance costs and solar inverters last 10 years or more so may need replacing a couple of times during your solar panel lifetime.
Wind turbines can cost anything from £9,000 for a small roof mounted turbine to £30,000 for a larger pole mounted turbine. A small roof mounted turbine is unlikely to cover all your daily power needs. Wind turbines come with higher maintenance costs due to the moving parts and also require replacement inverters.
Efficiency
Solar panels are ideal for residential areas, utilising space that would otherwise be going to waste. Solar panels produce electricity even on cloudy days. Unfortunately, as solar panels require daylight, they do not generate electricity around the clock and for better coverage, you would require a solar battery to store surplus electricity for use in the evenings.
Wind turbines need space; urban and built up areas reduce efficiency. A higher wind speed can increase productivity. Wind turbines need to be in isolated areas with strong and consistent winds. Unlike solar panels though, wind turbines can generate power around the clock, provided there is wind.
Pros and Cons
Solar Panels
A solar PV system installed by SolarTherm UK can save you up to 70% off your electricity bills, even more with solar battery storage. Solar panels are great for residential properties with otherwise wasted roof space, they are low maintenance and can add value to the property – up to 14% in some cases. Solar panels can be restricted by roof size and orientation and seasonal sunlight. Solar panels produce better during the summer months, with long days and lots of daylight.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines can generate more electricity and also reduce energy bills significantly, but they require more space to be installed. Wind turbines are more practical for rural locations with plenty of land around them as they can be noisy and need consistent, strong wind to work effectively. Wind turbines are more expensive to install and require more frequent maintenance which can be expensive when something goes wrong. They also only last around 20 years compared to the 25-30 year lifespan of a solar panel. You may also require planning permission to install wind turbines.
Energy Comparison
A small wind turbine can produce the equivalent power that 8 solar panels will produce, but costing around 55% more to install. Solar is generally more cost effective, especially for smaller properties with lower daily usage.
Global Impact
Renewable energy, especially solar and wind could be powering the world as soon as 2050, with solar and wind contributing to over half of global consumption. Over the past few years, renewable energy has steadily increased in prominence.
Currently over 40% of the UK’s energy is sourced from renewable sources. This will need to increase over the coming decade and a half if the UK is to meet it’s Net Zero targets by 2050.
Verdict: Which is Better – Solar or Wind?
Solar panels are probably the better option for most homeowners, unless you own a rural property with excess land and strong unobstructed winds. Solar panels are more affordable, require less maintenance and are readily available for installation.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design. Our tailored designs are bespoke to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice. With over 15 years of experience in the solar industry, you can trust SolarTherm UK to help you make an informed decision on what works best for your property.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
