Solar vs Tidal Energy: What Are the Differences?

Almost 20% of all energy generated in the United States is via a renewable source.

The most common renewable sources of energy are solar power, wind power, and hydro power. Tidal power is also a promising source of renewable energy. This may leave you wondering, what’s the difference between a traditional renewable like solar vs tidal energy?

Let’s break down these two, the fastest growing form of renewable energy with one of the most promising.

What Is Solar Energy

Solar power comes from the Sun, it is captured via panels and then stored in batteries or contributed to the power grid. Solar energy has seen incredible growth in use and a drop in price over the last few years. It is the single fastest-growing renewable energy source in the US.

Solar energy comes via the use of solar cells, which are often placed on top of a roof or in a yard. These cells gather the power of the sunlight that falls upon them and can come in a wide variety of configurations.

What Is Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is the power created by the motion and action of the oceans via their tidal flow. If you’ve lived by the ocean you know that there’s a big difference between high tide and low tide. Harnessing the energy of that water flow and turning it into usable electricity is what tidal energy is all about.

Tidal energy requires expensive and large power plants. These plants will have to go in areas where the tidal action is large and robust if they are going to be competitive.

Solar vs Tidal Energy

Now let’s compare solar vs tidal energy to see which is superior or more feasible for your home.

Solar energy has become cheap and easy to harness, with advances in technology and manufacturing over the last decade. It is the fastest-growing renewable energy type. Solar works almost everywhere on Earth, as long as the sun is shining in the sky.

Solar energy is stored in batteries for use or transmitted to the energy grid. It does take a dedicated system to bring solar power into a home, but can be done on any scale desirable. If you’re interested you can get more information here.

Tidal energy is very attractive in concept, but in practice, it is expensive and limited by location. Only a few places on the coast have enough tidal action to generate a worthwhile amount of energy. The equipment required is all still expensive and new, and it would only be used on a large scale.

Tidal energy will mature, and in a few years to a decade, we may see more interest and growth. For now, tidal energy remains in the planning stage. Solar energy wins out because of the price, versatility, and ease of operation when compared to tidal energy.

Renewable Energy Is The Future

While the question of solar vs tidal energy is easy to answer right now, the future is bright for all forms of renewable energy. Continued growth removes the need for fossil fuel, providing cheap and clean electricity to the world.

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