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| Did you know? The main difference between solar energy and wind energy is that solar arrays are cheaper and more affordable than wind energy, which requires large windmills on acres and acres of land to produce electricity. |
According to the World Meteorological Department, January 2025 has been recorded as the warmest January on record globally, with the global average surface air temperature 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels. This temperature spike occurred despite the onset of La Niña, a phenomenon which typically leads to global cooling, not warming.
What’s the option that remains to reverse climatic changes and preserve the Earth, you ask? The simple truth is an immediate and large-scale switch to renewable energy sources, with solar and wind energy as lead options!
Both the sources are clean and abundant. But which one is better? That’s one of the most popular questions we get asked. Hence, we’ve made this guide on the difference between solar energy and wind energy. Read on to learn which one is better and why.
Difference Between Solar and Wind Energy At a Glance
| Did you know? India ranks 5th among countries that deploy solar energy on a large scale. This mass popularity has been driven by the government’s relentless efforts to popularize solar as the mainstream source of energy by offering homeowners a solar subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. |
Both wind and solar energy have abundant benefits, including their capability to produce electricity without polluting the environment. But how do the two differ?
Here’s a tabulated snapshot of solar energy vs wind energy. Have a look!
| Aspect | Solar Energy | Wind Energy |
| Energy Source | Directly from the sun’s radiation via photovoltaic cells | Indirectly from the sun, caused by atmospheric pressure differences creating wind |
| Predictability | More predictable and steady energy output | Less predictable. It depends heavily on wind conditions |
| Operational Hours | Works only during the day | Operates both day and night if wind is present |
| Efficiency | High-quality panels like bifacial panels can convert 22-22.5% of sunlight into usable electricity | Converts up to 60% of wind energy into electricity |
| Installation Site | Can be installed on rooftops, windows, or small land spaces | Requires large open spaces with minimal wind obstructions |
| Noise Levels | Silent operation | Generates loud noise from rotor blades |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance as no moving parts are not involved | Requires heavy maintenance due to moving parts |
| Suitability by Region | Ideal for suburban and urban settings | Best suited only for rural and remote regions |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal impact on surroundings as it’s silent and space-efficient | Can harm birds/bats since it can cause visual and noise pollution |
| Scalability | Scalable from homes to large solar farms | More limited to utility-scale applications |
| Durability | 25+ years warranty and is less prone to weather damage | Highly susceptible to lightning, high wind, and mechanical wear and tear |
Now that you have better context about solar energy vs wind energy, let’s explore their cost and efficiency details in more depth.
Wind Power vs Solar Power Cost
Here is a simple cost comparison:
- The cost of a 3 kW on-grid solar system in India after a subsidy is between ∼ Rs. 1,02,000* in Lucknow to ∼ Rs. 1,57,000* in Bengaluru.
- The cost of a 5 kW on-grid solar system in India after a subsidy is between ∼ Rs. 1,97,000* in Lucknow to ∼ Rs. 2,92,000* in Bengaluru.
- On the contrary, a single piece of a 3-5 kW wind turbine costs approximately ∼ Rs. 12 lakh. The cost of the entire system would be significantly higher and would be too complex a system for distributed residential use.
*Please note: These prices are indicative as of 29th April 2025 for SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual final solar panel installation cost in India depends on your city, DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Also, SolarSquare sells only on-grid solar systems, not wind turbines. The cost for wind turbines is based on standard market estimates.
Final Verdict on Wind Power vs Solar Power Cost: Solar systems are much more affordable than wind energy. So, cost-wise, solar wins the race in the solar vs wind power for home debate!
Wind vs Solar Efficiency
The efficiency of solar panels varies based on the module technology. Here are the estimated details:
- Bifacial PERC (Passivated Emitted and Rear Cell) Solar Panels: Efficiency up to ∼ 22-22.5%
- Bifacial PERL (Passivated Emitted Rear Locally-diffused) Solar Panels: Up to ∼ 25% efficiency
- Monofacial Solar Panels with Monocrystalline Cells: The efficiency ranges between 19-20%
On the contrary, wind turbines can convert up to 60% of wind energy into electricity.
Final Verdict on Wind vs Solar Efficiency: While wind turbines are more efficient, their cost is a great hindrance. On the contrary, installing a home solar system with the right capacity can cover all your energy requirements without breaking the bank!
Solar vs Wind Power For Home: Advantages Over Each Other
Solar energy vs wind energy has many pros and cons, and we have covered both in this section. Let’s start with the advantages of solar energy over wind energy!
Advantages of Solar Energy Over Wind Energy
Here’s are the pros that make solar energy a clear winner over wind energy:
- Affordability: Solar panels are extremely affordable when compared to wind energy.
- Scale-up and Down, both Models Are Practical: Solar systems offer a stunning ROI whether installed at home or in large, utility-scale solar parks. In fact, the initial investment cost of rooftop on-grid solar systems is recovered in 3-5 years only. After that, you can enjoy free electricity for as long as the system lasts (at least 25 years with proper maintenance).
- Maintenance is Cheaper: While solar systems require regular, periodic professional cleaning, the cost is extremely affordable compared to wind turbines. The reason is that moving parts in wind turbines make maintenance complex and expensive.
- Installation Space Isn’t Any Constraint: Ideally, a rooftop solar system of 1 kW requires just 100 sq ft of shadow-free area. On the contrary, windmills are installed on acres and acres of land with minimal obstructions, making space an issue.
- More Predictable Power Generation: Solar systems require sunlight to work. They work even under a cloud cover with slightly reduced power generation. On the contrary, wind turbines work only when there’s enough wind, making the power generation unpredictable and unsteady.
- No Noise Pollution: Solar systems do not produce any sound. They operate silently. On the other hand, wind turbines are noisy. As a result, the wind farms are usually located in rural or remote locations.
Advantages of Wind Energy Over Solar Energy
While wind energy isn’t as practical a model as solar energy when it comes to cost and ROI, it sure has some advantages over solar. Here are the details:
- Works at Night: Wind turbines are not directly dependent on sunlight to produce electricity. Hence, they work round the clock as long as wind speeds are high. On the flip side, solar panels do not produce electricity at night. Having said that, on-grid solar is directly connected to the grid through a net meter. Hence, your home will be powered at night as the net meter will import electricity from the grid.
- Can be Extremely Efficient in High Wind Areas: Wind turbines can be extremely efficient, with an efficiency of 60%. Hence, they are extremely reliable in areas with high wind speeds.
Cons of Solar Energy and Wind Energy
Renewable energy hardly has cons. While there can be limitations, it’s good for the environment and your budget.
Here are some limitations you should know:
- Initial Investment Cost: You need to invest money upfront in installing solar and wind turbines. However, the cost breaks even for solar in 3-5 years. After that, you get free electricity. So, in the long run, solar is much cheaper than fossil-fuel-based electricity, which inflates by 3% to 6% every year.
- Wind Turbines are Unsuited for Urban Areas: Windmills are noisy, so they aren’t suitable for urban areas with high populations.
- Wind Turbine Blades are a Threat to Wildlife: The blades can injure and kill birds and bats, making wind farms a cause of concern for biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Conclusion
Solar energy vs wind energy: which is better? Weighing all the solar energy vs wind energy pros and cons, solar emerges as a clear winner. It’s cost-effective, operates silently, poses no threat to biodiversity, is easier to maintain, is suitable for both urban and rural setups, can be set up in acres and acres of solar parks as well as on residential rooftops with limited space, and the initial cost of investment breaks even in just 3-5 years.
If you’re a homeowner exploring options to install solar at your home, you can book a free consultation with SolarSquare. Our experts will resolve all your queries and make your decision to go solar simpler.
FAQs
Q. Which is better? Solar energy or wind energy?
A. Solar energy generated by solar systems has many clear advantages over wind energy. Solar systems are cheaper, have a stunning ROI, and operate silently.
Q. What is solar and wind energy called?
A. Both are forms of renewable energy. Renewable energy is abundant, won’t cease to exist, and is much cheaper than fossil fuels. It doesn’t even cause pollution like fossil fuels.
Q. Do wind turbines produce AC or DC?
A. Wind turbines directly produce alternating current (AC), which is the form of electricity that household appliances use. Hence, wind turbines do not require an inverter.
Q. Is solar energy AC or DC?
A. Solar systems generate direct current (DC) power. A solar inverter converts DC power into AC power, which is used by household appliances.
Q. What are the 5 disadvantages of wind energy?
A. Here are top 5 disadvantages of wind energy:
- Establishing windmills is expensive
- Wind turbines are very noisy
- It requires very large areas of land to make a wind farm
- The electric generation from wind turbines is not steady
- Turbine blades can injure birds and threaten wildlife
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