How Solar Energy compares to other renewable energy sources

Solar energy has transformed the negative effects from the previous use of non-renewable energy sources. There are a few other green options for energy sources and all have greatly benefited the environment.

But how do we know which renewable energy source is the most efficient? Let’s take a look at how Solar Energy compares to other renewable energy sources.

Solar Energy vs Wind Energy

 Firstly, we shall have a look at the upfront cost of Solar and Wind Energy. The average cost of a solar panel system for a three-bedroom house is £7,860, whereas a wind turbine can cost anywhere between £9,000 and £30,000.

Solar Panel prices can also vary depending on the amount of panels you purchase, the brand of solar panel and the type of solar that you choose. Wind Energy prices can be less predictable, and prices often depend on the type of turbine you choose: pole-mounted or building mounted turbines.

Building mounted turbines are the cheaper option, however, they are also the less efficient option because they have to be smaller in size to fit on a roof, and therefore generate less energy than pole-mounted turbines.

As Solar power has risen in popularity, prices have begun to decrease. Which? claims that the average price for a 4kWp solar panel system before 2015 was more than £9,000, compared to the average cost of £6,600 in 2018.

It is also cheaper to maintain solar panels, as you only need to change the solar inverter every ten years, as opposed to wind turbines which need to undergo checks every 2-3 years which can cost up to £200 each time!

Whilst both options are better than the non-renewable energy sources, Solar power is more cost effective by generally being more efficient and generating more power, whilst also not being as difficult as Wind turbines to maintain.

Solar Energy vs Biomass

Biomass is a lesser used energy source but it also requires less investment than the initial costs of solar and wind power.

However, the systems used in biogas plants aren’t as efficient, whereas solar panels absorb 15-20% of sunlight and the technology used for solar power is evolving and advancing.

Another factor is the implementation of biogas plants can take up a lot of space, as opposed to solar panels which fit neatly on the roof.

Whilst both are sustainable options, solar power is once again the more efficient option and is a more popular choice of renewable energy.

Solar Energy vs Hydro

Hydro power is a source that many have been using throughout history. It goes as far back as Ancient Greece, where farmers used the kinetic energy of the river flow to turn the water wheels, which converted into mechanical energy to run the mills.

Hydro power is a reliable source of energy, and although it is a greener option compared to fossils fuels, it can still cause damaging effects to the environment. Damming water can be unsafe for the ecosystem surrounding it, and cause obstacles for marine species.

Hydropower can only be used in certain areas, unlike solar power, which can be used on a much wider scale. Solar power also doesn’t need to be manually monitored.

Hydro power is one of the cleanest sources of energy but realistically, it isn’t sustainable enough to justify the expenses of the upfront cost.

To sum it up…

There is a place for all renewable energy sources, and we should focus on improving them, in order to help our environment.

There are pros and cons to all renewable energy sources, however, solar energy is one of the best sources due to its sustainability, lack of effect on the environment and cost effective method.