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.

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