In their perfect environments, which is more efficient - wind or solar?

[allegrif]

So you're in a really windy place which also happens to have generous sunlight. It's considered perfect for either wind or solar harnessing. You can only pick one. Which one is more efficient, and therefore the better option?

[JamesH]

Wind, because then it would run through the night. Even without a tiny amount of cloud, you've still got the sun down for an average of 12 hours per day. It would be even more varied at higher latitude with short days in winter.

[Zarostulus]

[quote author=JamesH link=topic=191.msg463#msg463 date=1449004270]
Wind, because then it would run through the night. Even without a tiny amount of cloud, you've still got the sun down for an average of 12 hours per day. It would be even more varied at higher latitude with short days in winter.
[/quote]
I think solar is better in the log run. Sure, it's expensive to put down and only available half the time, but the maintenance costs once it's running are far smaller - having fewer moving parts is always a good thing.

[Alaric]

There are many benefit for the people who want to use solar in the long run:

1. Reduces Air Pollution. Fossil fuels create a lot of pollutants.
2. Reduce Water Usage.
3. Reduces Dependence On Nonrenewable Energy Sources.
4. Improves Humanity's Health In The Long-run.
5. Helps Fight Climate Change.

[Serg]

Are you going to live next to them? Those homeowners who have installed wind turbines say they make a lot of noise and annoy with constant spinning.

[Johnmo89]

In my opinion the wind is more efficient, if only because there is no sun for half the day. Always. Every day. And the wind, whether it was weak or strong, is almost always blows. Yes, the transformation of solar energy into electrical energy requires a smaller area and costs. But sunlight is much more changeable than wind.