TL;DR
- Most homes favour solar: simpler installs, better fit to rooftops, and wide installer availability. - Small domestic wind works only on exposed sites with consistent wind. - A hybrid (solar + battery) usually delivers the best simplicity vs benefit.
How the technologies differ
- **Solar PV** turns daylight into electricity; peak in the middle of the day and summer. - **Small wind** needs steady, unobstructed wind; output swings with local conditions.
Cost and complexity
- Solar: modular, scalable, roof‑friendly. Prices remain competitive and installs are quick. - Domestic wind: higher structural demands (masts, foundations, vibration), more planning risk, and fewer qualified installers.
Efficiency in the real world
- Capacity factor headlines rarely match domestic reality. For homes, siting quality (sun or wind) beats spec‑sheet efficiency every time.
Suitability checklist
- Pick solar if you have usable roof space with limited shade. - Consider wind only if you’re on an exposed site with planning feasibility and space for a mast.
Environmental and maintenance notes
- Both are low‑carbon in use. Solar needs occasional cleaning/inspection; small wind has moving parts and higher maintenance exposure.
Bottom line
For most UK households, solar PV is the practical starting point. If your site is unusually windy and planning allows, a small turbine can complement—not replace—solar.
Eastbourne Energy
Eastbourne Energy