Advantages of solar and wind energy

Advantages of Solar Energy in India
Solar energy provides cost effective solutions to energy problems where there is no electricity at all. Some of the advantages of solar energy which makes it all the more suitable for India are as follows:
No Pollution : Solar energy is environment friendly. Solar energy is non-polluting, clean, reliable and renewable source of electricity. It does not pollute the air by releasing harmful gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide. Solar energy does not require and fuel and thus avoid the problems of transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste. Hence it is very suitable for India, India being one of the most polluted countries of the world.
Variety of uses : Solar energy can be used for variety of purposes like as heating, drying, cooking or electricity, which is suitable for the rural areas in India. It can also be used in cars, planes, large power boats, satellites, calculators and many more such items, just apt for the urban population.
Renewable Source : This is an inexhaustible source of energy and the best replacement to other non-renewable energies in India. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy and will continue to produce electricity as long as sun exists. Although solar energy can not be produce during night and cloudy days but it can be used again and again during day time. Solar energy from sun is consistent and constant power source and can be used to harness power in remote locations. In an energy deficient country like India, where power generation is costly, solar energy is the best alternate means of power generation.
Low maintenance : Solar cells generally doesn’t require any maintenance and run for long time. More solar panels can be added from time to time when needed. Although, solar panels have initial cost but there are no recurring costs. Initial cost that is incurred once can be recovered in the long run. Apart from this, solar cells make no noise at all and there are no moving parts in solar cells which makes them long lasting and require very little maintenance. They do not release offensive smell. A solar energy system can be installed anywhere. Solar panels can be easily placed in houses. Hence, it is quite inexpensive compared to other sources of energy.
Easy Installation : Solar panels are easy to install and does not require any wires, cords or power sources. Unlike wind and geothermal power stations which require them to be tied with drilling machines, solar panels does not require them and can be installed on the rooftops which means no new space is needed and each home or business user can generate their own electricity. Moreover, they can be installed in distributed fashion which means no large scale installations are needed.
Accessibility of solar power in remote locations : Solar power can generate electricity no matter how remote the area as long as the sun shines there. Even in areas that are inaccessible to power cables, solar power can produce electricity.
Advantages of Wind Power

It's a clean fuel source. Wind energy is friendly to the surrounding environment, as no fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity from wind energy. Wind energy doesn't pollute the air like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. Wind turbines don't produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gasses.
It is sustainable. Wind is actually a form of solar energy; winds are caused by the heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the rotation of the earth, and the earth's surface irregularities. When combined with solar electricity, this energy source is great for developed and developing countries to provide a steady, reliable supply of electricity. For as long as the sun shines and the wind blows, the energy produced can be harnessed to send power across the grid.
Reduces Fossil Fuels Consumption : Dependence on the fossil fuels could be reduced to much extent if wind power is adopted on the much wider scale by all the countries across the globe. It could be the answer to the ever increasing demand for petroleum and gas products. Apart from this, it can also help to curb harmful gas emissions which are the major source of global warming.
Wind power is cost effective. It is one of the lowest-priced renewable energy technologies available today, costing between four and six cents per kilowatt-hour, depending upon the wind resource and project financing of the particular project. The cost of producing wind energy has come down steadily over the last few years. The main cost is the installation of wind turbines. Moreover the land used to install wind turbines can also be used for agriculture purpose. Also, when combine with solar power, it provides cheap, reliable, steady and great source of energy for the for developed and developing countries.
Wind turbines can be built on exhisting farms or ranches. This greatly benefits the economy in rural areas, where most of the best wind sites are found. Wind turbines take up less space than the average power station. Windmills only have to occupy a few square meters for the base, this allows the land around the turbine to be used for many purposes, for example agriculture. Wind power plant owners make rent payments to the farmer or rancher for the use of the land providing landowners with additional income.
Job opportunities : Wind energy on the other hand has created many jobs for the local people. From installation of wind turbines to maintenance of the area where turbines are located, it has created wide range of opportunities for the people. Since most of the wind turbines are based in coastal and hilly areas, people living there are often seen in maintenance of wind turbines.