In 2020 renewable energy sources generated 834 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in the US.
Renewable energy sources are quickly growing in popularity due to the benefits they bring. Among those available, wind and solar energy are two of the most widely used. They’re reliable sources of electricity, and environmentally friendly.
So how is wind energy related to solar energy? In this wind and solar energy guide, we’ll look at each type and discuss what connects them. For more information, keep reading this wind energy guide.
What Is Wind Energy?
Wind energy is generated using wind turbines along with kinetic energy. As the wind blows, it causes the turbines to spin which in turn makes the generator convert the energy into mechanical power. This is then converted into electricity.
Wind is a reliable energy source, and by placing turbines in strategic areas a lot of electricity can be generated. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world and is often used to provide energy in rural areas that aren’t connected to the grid.
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is another type of renewable energy, and it’s sourced from the sun. It typically uses PV (photovoltaic) cells which can convert sunlight into electrical energy. These are becoming popular in both commercial and residential applications. While in the early days you mostly had to buy all the equipment, now you have a choice between buying or leasing the solar panels.
As solar panels can only absorb sunlight during the day, the solution to get power at all hours is a solar battery. This will charge up throughout the day, then redistribute power to your home or business during the night.
How Is Wind Energy Related to Solar Energy?
The main thing that connects both wind and solar energy is that they’re both renewable resources. Traditional energy sources like fossil fuels are harmful to the environment when burned. Wind and solar, however, are two of the most environmentally friendly energy options available.
Technically speaking, wind is a type of solar energy. Wind is created by variations in atmospheric pressure, which is a result of the sun heating the Earth.
As governments are aiming to push people towards using more sustainable resources, they offer certain incentives for installing wind and solar energy systems. These incentives vary in different locations, so you should look into what incentives are available in your state.
Both have proven to be very effective and reliable energy sources. They can provide clean electricity to homes and businesses, and both are becoming more efficient with time. Setting up either system requires an initial investment, but as money is saved on monthly utilities, both setups will pay for themselves in the long run.
Making Use of Renewable Energy
You’re no longer asking “how is wind energy related to solar energy?” but you may still be unsure of which is best. It varies depending on various factors.
Solar energy is typically better for smaller applications like single homes or small businesses. On a larger scale, however, wind energy can be more efficient. Note that wind turbines need a lot of space, whereas solar panels can usually be placed on roofs, making them far more flexible.
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