Solar vs Wind vs Hydro vs Biogas
Which kind of free energy system is the most efficient? Or the most economical? Or the most convenient? or the easiest to set up?
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... which one is the best of all?
Well! The earth is round for one... and the sun keeps moving into different hemispheres varying its intensity of heat and light. The wind too keeps changing and hydro power basically depends upon rainfall. Thus depending upon only one system to deliver uninterrupted power is not very prudent. Sometimes only one kind of system will suffice. Sometimes you will have to combine at least two type of systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydro Power
Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. The pros and cons of each system are quite different from those of the other system. In some places like deserts Solar Panels are more effective. In hilly and rainy areas Hydro, Mini and Micro Hydro Power are more effective. In hilly and windy areas Wind Turbines are more effective.
The most efficient system is one is which combines all the multiple renewal energy systems like:
1. Wind
2. Hydro
3. Solar PV
4. Solar Thermal and
5. Biogas
The most efficient system is one is which combines all the multiple renewal energy systems like:
1. Wind
2. Hydro
3. Solar PV
4. Solar Thermal and
5. Biogas
Advantages and disadvantage of Solar Panels,
No single RE source works best all the time in all situations. Hybrid systems often yield the best year-round performance. Wind and micro-hydro usually perform well during stormy periods, while photovoltaics work best in dry summer conditions with long sunny days. Photovoltaics have the benefit of no moving parts, no maintenance, high reliability, and a long life averaging about 25 years or more for solar panels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Power
Each system must be optimized to the location and application for which it will be used. Installation and maintenance requirements can be a significant 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.
The major problem with ANY power source is the “Opposition special interest groups”. Windmills have been know to cut birds in half and the comment “It destroys my view", “Solar panels are ugly”, "Hydro hurts the fish and takes away land"
There are protest groups protesting and stopping people taking away the garbage to be dumped into biogas digesters!!! I suspect that if we all used a generator with a hand crank someone would find a problem with that.
Bottom line is that no matter what we do, there WILL be a side effect somewhere, people need to deal with it!!
There are protest groups protesting and stopping people taking away the garbage to be dumped into biogas digesters!!! I suspect that if we all used a generator with a hand crank someone would find a problem with that.
Bottom line is that no matter what we do, there WILL be a side effect somewhere, people need to deal with it!!
When compared among each other Biogas is head, neck and shoulders above the rest as it is not only very little investment it has multiple uses like creating Organic fertilizer which is a byproduct and helps to increase food production. Biogas help clean up the surrounding but also ensure better sanitation. It also prevents ground water contamination. Biogas can run your generator set, cook your food and fuel your car.
Total world Energy Consumption - 2010
But if you are a bigger user like a community or a college, school or a company then using at least 2 to 3 type of system is advisable for not only generating enough electricity for yourself but also selling to those around you. But if you want to use only one kind of system then without any doubt the best kind of system is that of Biogas.
Our tomorrow will be better than our today and yesterday! And hopefully we will not have to pay for energy use in the future.