Hydropower vs. Solar Power

Main Difference

The main difference between Hydropower and Solar Power is that Hydropower is a type of power that uses water to generate energy, whereas Solar Power uses sunlight to generate energy.

Difference Between Hydropower and Solar Power

Comparison Chart

Hydropower vs. Solar Power

Hydropower is a kind of power that is generated from moving water. On the flip side, solar power is the type of power that is generated from the energy of sunlight. For the production of hydropower, turbines are used that converts the kinetic energy of moving water into hydropower. Solar power is obtained by using the solar plates; these solar plates capture the energy from sunlight and convert it into solar power.

So, hydropower is considered a more reliable source of energy because it shows a stable supply of power. On the other hand, solar power is an intermittent source of energy with interrupted periods of energy supply, for example, in cloudy days and at night, etc. Moreover, hydropower is known as a cheap source of energy worldwide. It accounts for a low price per watt. On the other side, solar power is expensive as compared to hydropower because it also demands a backup source in case of interrupted periods of energy supply.

Hydropower causes a great environmental impact as compared to solar power. The construction of dams on rivers and streams for the generation of hydropower disturbs the animal, fish, and plant habitats. On the flip side, solar power has a little environmental impact. It increases the heat in the area of solar plant systems.

Hydropower cannot be used as an energy source for small portable devices because it requires turbines and water for the generation of energy. On the other hand, solar power can be used as an energy source for small devices like a flashlight, watch, or calculator, etc. because it uses photovoltaic panels to produce energy through sunlight, and these panels can easily be installed in small portable devices.

Hydropower has many alternative resources, as well. For example, water facilities in hydropower plants are an excellent source for boating, swimming, and fishing, etc. It also provides agricultural facilities in the neighboring areas. On the other side, solar power does not have such alternative facilities.

What is Hydropower?

The word ‘Hydro’ stands for water. So, here, the word hydropower means the energy that is obtained from water. Hydropower is considered as the least expensive and common source of energy in the whole world. It is used as a source of energy in almost all the countries of the world and shows the lowest cost per watt per hour.

Hydropower is an ancient energy source that has been using for centuries. It is generated by using the energy of moving water. Turbines are installed in the way of moving water that converts the kinetic energy of the water into electricity. This electricity is then used to run different works.

Hydropower stations required a high initial cost as it requires a large area for the construction of dams. But, once installed, it demands the lowest cost per watt per hour. A typical hydropower system has three parts, i.e., a dam to control water, an electric plant to produce electricity, and a reservoir to regulate the energy extraction.

The amount of electricity produced can be calculated through the volume of water moving through the system and how far the water drops. Hydropower has many alternative resources, as well. For example, water facilities in hydropower plants are an excellent source for boating, swimming, and fishing, etc. It also provides agricultural facilities in the neighboring areas.

Advantages

• It is a renewable resource of energy that can be renewed by rain or snowfall etc.
• It has the lowest cost per watt per hour.
• It demands low maintenance and running costs.
• This system has a long life span.
• Hydropower generators can easily be switch on and off according to the demand.
• It does not require a large battery bank.

Disadvantages

• It is not suitable in many areas due to the unavailability of resources.
• It has a high installation cost.
• It may cause freezing of water in pipes in colder climates.
• It requires modification of water resources.
• Moving parts may wear out with time.

What is Solar Power?

The word ‘Solar’ means ‘sun. So, solar power is the source of energy that is obtained from sunlight. It is an everlasting source of energy because the sun is the biggest source of energy. This type of energy can be obtained by using solar cells that are known as photovoltaic cells. This current is then converted from a DC into AC with the help of an inverter.

Solar power can also be used as an energy source for small devices like a flashlight, watch, or calculator, etc. because it uses photovoltaic panels to produce energy through sunlight, and these panels can easily be installed in small portable devices. Solar power does not have a constant delivery of energy. The conditions that disturb the sunlight also cause a decrease in energy output. So, its delivery can be interrupted by a change in climate, for example, cloudy days and night, etc.

Advantages

• Solar power can be used in almost all areas of the world.
• It is an ecofriendly source of energy because it does not evolve harmful gases.
• Solar panels have a long life span.
• It requires extremely low maintenance.
• It has a simple installation system.
• It shows the power output that is predictable.
• It does not need personal monitoring.

Disadvantages

• It has a high initial cost.
• It requires the use of a large battery bank as an alternative source of energy in case of power interruption.
• It needs good solar exposure.
• The installation of a solar power system may cause pollution because it causes the evolution of greenhouse gasses.

Conclusion

The above discussion summarizes that both hydropower and solar power are renewable resources of energy. Hydropower is the energy that is obtained from the kinetic energy of moving water. On the other side, solar power is obtained from the energy of the sun with the help of solar panels.