GARDENING SCOTLAND
Posted on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:29 am
What’s the most efficient method of micro- electricity generation?
For example, would I be better placing a solar panel in my roof, or a windmill in my garden? (SCOTLAND)
Most efficient or most economical?
Wind is from thermal gradients in the atmosphere because different areas are warmed to a different extent by the sun. In this respect it’s a terribly inefficient method of converting sunlight energy to electrical energy (much less than a fraction of 1%) but a wind turbine is inexpensive.
Solar photovoltaic used to have efficiencies of 5% to 15% but the current record is 42.8%. However, solar panels are expensive.
Currently, wind turbines are less expensive per watt then solar photovoltaics (photovoltaics are dropping in price fast). The problem is that your neighbourhood may not allow wind turbines due to the visual impact and the noise that they create.
ORGANIC GROWERS OF FAIRLIE – GARDENING SCOTLAND 2009