Solar Vs. Wind Vs. Hydro power
Pros:
Hydropower:
- Lowest cost per watt hour
- Usually a predictable year round power output
- Often does not require a large battery bank
- System is quiet and often can be made unobtrusive
- Typically low maintainance
Windpower
- Low cost per watt hour in a good location
- Smaller systems can be low maintainance
- Predictable power output in some locations
Solar power
- Can be used almost anywhere
- Extermely low maintainance
- Very long system lifespans
- Can be operated unmonitored for extended periods of time
- Predictable power output in most locations
- Simple installation
- Silent , unobtrusive operation
Cons:
Hydropower
- Not suitable in many locations due to lack of resource
- Often requires substantial modification of water resource (except for
in-stream type generators)
- Initial installation cost can be high if damming or dirtwork is required
- In colder climates, freezing of pipes, etc can be a problem
- Moving parts will eventually wear out
Windpower
- Not suitable in many locations due to lack of resource
- Towering can be expensive for larger units, and may require heavy equipment
to erect.
- Some people object to the tower aesthetically
- Birds of prey run into tower and guy wires (similar to but smaller
than utility installations in this respect)
- Power output can be sporadic in some areas, nescesitates the use of
a large battery bank and / or altrenate power source
- Many people report that considerable noise is generated in high winds
- Even routine, minor maintainance on a windmill can be difficult on
the top of a tower. Systems to reduce / eliminate this problem typically
add to the cost and complexity of the system.
- Moving parts will eventually wear out
Solar power
- High initial cost for solar panels
- Power output can be variable in some areas, nescesitates the use of
a large battery bank and / or altrenate power source
- Requires good solar exposure (not practical in shaded areas, etc.)
Bottom Line:
Each system must be optimized to the location and aplication for which
it will be used. Installation and maintainance requirements can be a signifigant
factor, and should be weighed heavily in the design process. Hybrid systems
using two or more of these power sources, or using a fuel powered generator
as a supplement usually provide superior performance over a wide range
of conditions.