Solar and wind duking it out in high-powered battle (Texas)

[jpak]

http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/579046.html

AUSTIN -- In the old Aesop fable, wind and sun battle over which is the stronger. The wind blows hard, but the sun shines hot. They both do their best to get a traveler to remove his jacket.

In the fable, sun wins. But in real-life policy questions over solar power and wind energy -- over which provides the more cost-effective source of clean energy -- it appears that wind has sun on the ropes. At least for the moment.

Both provide an environmentally friendly alternative to coal- and gas-fired electricity, and both emit none of the greenhouse gases associated with global warming. But solar power -- despite several advantages over wind -- is much more expensive, say experts.

"You get more bang for your buck from wind energy than from solar energy," said Ryan Wiser, who leads renewable-energy research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California.As the public expresses growing concern over both global warming and rising utility bills, consumer advocates say it's more important than ever to balance the costs and benefits of wind power, solar power and other forms of renewable energy.

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[NJmaverick]

1. I think that both should be used. There are times and situations

one or the other or both is the best choice.

[jpak]

3. Yup, they are complimentary

Windless days occur during periods of high pressure when cloud cover is reduced and solar irradiance is highest.

Wind can produce power at night and during inclement daytime weather.

Summer AC loads follow daily trends in solar irradiance.

etc.

[kristopher]

5. True, but they are competing for the same investment & policy $$. nt

[msongs]

2. keep solar away from utility companies - rooftop solar, not corporate solar nt

[kristopher]

4. Why?

First, most rooftop solar is underwritten by utilities. Second, if you want to see the $$/kWh for solar drop, then economy of scale (large facilities) is going to be a significant part of the process of bringing down the price.