Solar and Wind Energy are both great for the environment. Read on to learn which is best.

Both wind energy and solar energy are known as renewable energy sources and they are now becoming more widely used throughout society. There have also been efforts made by certain governments to introduce these into our daily lives, and to move the reliance away from fossil fuels, which now govern our lives today.

solar and wind energy

There are advantages to both solar energy and wind energy, but which is better for the environment?

In terms of the cost of putting these renewable sources into action, wind seems to come out on top. This is because it is slightly cheaper to introduce tools and products, which turn wind energy into power. As such, the wind will give people more for their money.

However, there is an aspect in which solar energy is better. This advantage lies in the fact that the suns rays are always available, whereas the wind is not always blowing, or strong enough to power turbines. Although solar panels do cost more to put into place, and they do require more maintenance, the advantage is that they offer a greater amount of energy potential.

The potential comes down to where they are used and how often. There are plenty of tall buildings, which could benefit from having soar panels placed on their roofs, but many chances are lost. There are also many other locations, which would capture the suns rays in a more effective manner. Solar panels are also less of eye-sore on the environment as they can be hidden on the tops of buildings and in other secluded locations.

Wind turbines are always going to be seen as they are so large and need to be placed in very open locations (such as mountain tops, hills, beaches, and just off shore). In terms of this variable, the wind energy takes a greater toll on the environment. Another aspect is how the wind turbines can interfere with wildlife and natural habitats of certain animals.

It is important to realize that there are many different variables in place that will determine which is the most environmentally friendly energy source.

There are no places on the earth that are totally alike and certain energy techniques benefit from their location.

However, overall, it is wind that produces more energy per dollar invested, at present. It is cheaper and easier to maintain wind turbines than solar panels at this current stage of development.  Choose wisely.  But whichever you choose, just know that its many time better than using fossil fuels.

Pat Lindle uses solar energy to power his metal deck / steel deck fabrication facility in Phoenix, AZ.   Pat has a masters in chemical engineering from M.I.T. and is always using his thirst for knowledge to find new, Earth-friendly methods to enrich his life, and those of his friends.

 

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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