Solar Power

Solar power is sweeping the country, but what about areas where the sun doesn't come out to play as often? No matter where you live, you'll have some wind. And wind is just as viable an energy generator as solar power.

There are some substantial differences between wind and solar power. One of them includes space. With a solar array, you can add more PV panels, space permitting, as your energy needs change. It's not quite that easy with a wind turbine.

The wind turbine sits atop a tower. The tower can be from about 30 feet in height to 150 feet or so. It should rise 20 to 30 feet higher than anything in the surrounding area-including other wind towers. So adding new towers to a wind-based setup is not done nearly as frequently as adding a new PV panel to a solar array.

A wind system obviously makes better sense if you live in a windy location. You probably already know if the wind seems to blow constantly, but you can check various weather sites for average wind speeds and other meteorological conditions. If the wind speed in your area averages 9 miles per hour, then you're in a prime location for a wind turbine to generate electricity.

For a solar array, wind speed has no effect, but a good southern exposure with little or no shading does. So if you live at a good latitude with lots of sun, little cloud cover or shading, and fairly stiff winds, you've got a prime location for installation of both systems.

There are some similarities between wind and solar systems. You need to do an "energy audit" of your current situation before moving forward into a renewable setup. The best idea is to come up with a monthly average over the past year, then see where you can save. Once you've reduced your energy consumption to a point where you can still live a comfortable life, measure your energy draw again and use that as the amount on which to base your generation needs.

But since you can't guarantee constant sunshine or wind, a system that combines the benefits of both may be in order. These "hybrid" systems combine the two technologies, and also help offset costs. Wind energy is the least expensive renewable energy technology in existence, and that can help offset the expense of the PV system.

A wind turbine is a mechanical system with moving parts that will need periodic maintenance and repair. Photovoltaic cells have no moving parts and so require very little upkeep.

Photovoltaic purchase and installation costs are high compared to wind turbines, but there are fewer ongoing costs. Both systems, however, have tax credits and rebates available to help offset the purchase price. And of course, in many localities you can sell excess power back to your utility company for a reduction on your bill, or even a credit.

Your location is the key to which system or systems you install. If you live in an urban or suburban location, you'll need to check with your local regulatory authorities and any homeowner's association to see what is allowed. Wind towers are not always looked upon kindly in more densely populated areas.

But via sun, wind, or a combination of both, you're likely to find a sustainable answer to your power generation needs.