Hydro vs. Wind vs. Solar Power?

electrical-engineering-portal.com/hydro-vs-wind-vs-solar-power

12/11/2010
Matthew Stein, author of wrestles with that very question in his
book.
Heres an excerpt:
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.
In 2008 solar panel cost of about $5 per watt (remember that batteries and inverters will add significantly to this cost)
has been steadily dropping as sales of solar cells have doubled every few years.
The recent invention of solar roofing panels and the introduction of major PV incentives in several countries are
expected to continue to boost sales and significantly reduce prices over the next decade.

Advantages
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

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Predictable power output in most locations

Simple installation
Silent , unobtrusive operation

Disadvantages
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.)
The major problem with ANY power source is the Opposition special interest groups. Lets see now of course we all
know about the evils of the nukes, windmills have been know to cut birds in half and the It destroys my view
people. Solar panels are ugly people. Hydro hurts the fish. 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 affect somewhere, people need to deal with it!!
Greg,
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.

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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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