Journal / Guides
Wind or solar on a Hudson Valley property? An honest comparison
Solar wins on most lots. Wind earns its place on open, windy land, especially paired with solar for winter nights.
We get asked this every month, usually by someone with a few acres and a view. The honest answer: for most properties, solar produces far more energy per dollar. Wind makes sense on open, windy land, and it complements solar well in winter.
The numbers that decide it
| Solar | Small wind | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | About $2.50–3.50 per watt; roughly half with DIY labor | DOE/PNNL found $4,160–7,370 per kW on average (2023 data) |
| Site need | Unshaded south, east or west exposure | 10+ mph average wind; tower 30 ft above obstacles within 300 ft |
| Moving parts | None | Rotor, bearings, brake |
| Permits | Routine | Zoning review for height and fall zone |
Wind power is about the cube
A turbine’s power rises with the cube of wind speed. At 12 mph average, the same machine makes about 1.7 times the energy it makes at 10 mph. At 8 mph, about half. That’s why a year of anemometer data at hub height is worth more than any brochure.
Where wind shines: the hybrid
In the Northeast, solar peaks in summer and wind tends to run stronger in winter and at night. On an off-grid property, a modest turbine can shrink the battery bank and the generator hours you need. Both sources charge one 48 V battery bank; the turbine needs a controller with a diversion load.
Our rule of thumb
- Less than an acre, trees or neighbors close by: solar.
- Open land and measured wind above 10–12 mph: solar first, add wind for winter.
- A year-round stream with drop: look at micro-hydro before either.
Quick answers
How much wind do I need for a home turbine?
An average of at least 10 mph at hub height, with the rotor at least 30 feet above anything within 300 feet.
Next step
See what your house needs.
Your usage chart and system size are free in the design app. The build-ready package is $149.