The Environment
Comparing the renewable technologies cost £/kgCO2:
Solar PV per kWp:
• 800-900 kWh (depending on location)
• 454-512 kg CO2
• Typically £9-14 per kgCO2
Solar Thermal per m2:
• 300-350 kWh Gas saved
• 58-68 kgCO2 (assuming Gas offset)
• Typically £8-15 per kgCO2
Wind Turbine per kWe:
• 400-1500 kWh (Urban - Rural)
• 227-852 kgCO2
• Typically £6-22 per kgCO2 (Rural - Urban)
Urban: Site with trees & buildings within 100m of wind turbine hub
Rural: Open site with trees & buildings greater than 100m of turbine hub
Choosing a renewable technology solution is often completed after analysis into cost per kgCO2 but there are other factors that should be reviewed in equal detail such as maintenance regime, product warranties, longevity of the product, suitability of site, fuel source offset, visual aesthetics of the building, and many more.
Further to the numerical comparisons, a qualitative assessment can be drawn across the technologies based on more generalised benefits & issues.