Solar Energy vs. Windmills: A Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages by Derwick Associates

Derwick Associates Venezuela agree that two of the most popular forms of green energy are windmills and solar panels. Investors and governments all over the world are after them. There are a few differences between solar energy and windmills in their efficiency, level of environmental impact, and certain other aspects. In this article, you will find the major differences between these technologies.

Solar Panels

According to Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez , here are the major advantages of solar energy:

•  Solar energy is completely pollution-free. Since solar panels do not create any gas, smoke, or greenhouse gases, there is no environmental impact.
• A number of developments in the science of solar energy have resulted in higher power output per panel.
• Solar power systems do not need much maintenance. Once installed, they continue to give out energy for life. As long as the sun is there, solar power systems will work.
• You can either connect your home to a solar power grid or have solar panels installed on top of your house (if your home is in a remote location). Hence, solar energy gives flexibility to the consumers.
• This form of energy does not need to be converted for certain purposes, such as indoor and outdoor lighting, heating, etc.
• Solar energy will not create any rapid changes in price, according to Derwick Associates

Albeit, there are a few disadvantages as well to solar energy systems. Here are some of them, according to Derwick:

• Solar systems cannot work in the night, and their efficiency goes down dramatically in cloudy weather conditions.
• Solar energy is widely known to be more inefficient than other forms of energy. A panel usually converts about 22 percent of the sunlight that falls on top of it. However, there is ongoing research and development in this field that will result in better output from panels.
• Storing solar energy for future use is difficult with the current technology. Batteries for storing solar power are massive and costly, and hence they are not equipped to handle most scenarios.
• Installation of solar panels requires a large investment. This is one reason why solar systems are not yet popular.
• Solar panel systems work the best on sunny days, but hot weather usually results in lower output.
• Traditional solar panels made by crystalline silicon are more efficient, but they are very bulky as compared to newer, thin-film solar panels. This means, today’s solar panels are either lightweight or efficient, but not both.

Wind Power

Another option as shown by Alejandro Betancourt Lopez, a windmill, which converts the energy from the wind into electricity, is a great source of green energy. Like solar power, windmills also get great attention from investors and governments. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of wind power.

Advantages:

• A windmill does not create any pollution. It does not generate smoke or greenhouse gases that negatively   affect the environment.
• Capturing energy from the wind is very easy and effective with the modern technology.
• The land on which a wind turbine is established can still be used for other purposes like agriculture. This is not true in the case of solar farms. In addition, many people believe windmills give an aesthetic look to the landscape.
• It is easy to build wind farms in remote areas not connected to the nation’s main power grid.
• Since the wind is the only raw material, and it is available everywhere, windmills can power any location in the world.
• Wind turbines come in all sizes and shapes. It is hence easy for both people and businesses to use them for power.

However, there are a few disadvantages as well to this type of power. Here are a few of them, according to Derwick Associates:

• The power output of a windmill is usually not constant. It tends to be unsteady depending on the strength and velocity of the wind in the location.
• Although they are more efficient than solar power, windmills do not measure up to the efficiency of fossil fuels.
• Windmills tend to make noise pollution, and hence they are not appropriate for areas where people live.
• Windmills are as costly as solar panels, and they need high maintenance cost as well.
• Wind farms tend to kill birds on occasion, and that is not in anybody’s best interest.

Conclusion

Pedro Trebbau Lopez agrees that windmills and solar systems are expected to change our world dramatically. However, they require further research and development. Solar panels need to provide more output per surface area, while windmills should be able to contribute more power even at erratic wind velocity.

Derwick Associates - Expertise Series: Field Services

Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez

One of the leaders in the energy power-plant field, Derwick Associates is recognized for its experience and expertise. Through years of practice over many different projects, our expert team of project managers has overseen the design, procurement, construction, operation and management of many power-plants across Venezuela. Over the years, these activities have allowed Derwick to acquire experience in: Field Services

The Field Services Division guarantees the presence of certified, skilled workforce necessary for the installation of high quality equipment, in order to provide seamless and efficient delivery.

Our field services are provided at any stage of your project, accordingly to your time schedule and under strict controls:

• Boroscope inspections, including detailed report
• Repair of instrumentation, electronic control systems and mechanical equipment
• Exchange, disconnection and installment of turbo generators and components
• Annual and semi-annual inspections of packages and control systems, including calibrations
• Annual and semi-annual turbines inspection
• Control systems updating
• 24 hour attention to clients for any type of turbo generators, associated equipment and balance of plant
• Provision of parts and tools needed for any work related to turbo generator units
• Levels 1 and 2 of maintenance, including all necessary tools
• Dual conversion of turbo generators (Liquid/Gas fuel)
• Conversion packages (PC to PD / PD to PC)

Derwick Associates Dedicated To The Safeguarding Of Indigenous People - Pedro Trebbau López

Derwick Associates Venezuela

Leading energy company Derwick Associates, Venezuela talks about the projects their non-profit foundation supports.

The company are dedicated to helping social and charitable projects, so they created the Hermogenes Lopez Foundation, which helps communities, families and individuals across Venezuela. The foundation is non-profit and works nationwide to help people get more education, as well as sporting facilities and opportunities for jobs.

One project that the foundation supports is the Loyola-Tauca Project in Puerto Ordaz. This project works with locals and colleges to continue the safeguarding of the indigenous people of Venezuela. They ensure that old age cultures and traditions are preserved, as well as taught in colleges and schools.

Derwick Associates assisted the project by providing transport facilities for the students of the Loyola College to get to the Indigenous University of Venezuela. By doing this, they were able to raise awareness of the indigenous cultures to the college students, and in turn, ensure that the cultures are protected in the future.

The project includes educating students from the Loyola College Gumilla about old age traditions and the culture of the indigenous people. One student who was involved in the project said that it was an important experience because it brought them out of their virtual world. The project is not only to be amongst the indigenous people of Venezuela, but it is also intended for prayer and a spiritual experience for all those involved.

Vice President of Derwick Associates, Pedro Trebbau López, said of the project, “It’s important for us here at Derwick to be a part of projects like this, because our heritage is something should be learnt by everyone, of all ages. This is why the safeguarding of the indigenous people of Venezuela will always be something that we support. Projects like this are one of the main reasons why we created the Hermogenes Lopez Foundation, to ensure that our cultures and traditions are not forgotten.

We will continue to help projects like this as much as we can, as we are passionate about being as philanthropic as possible, in terms of being environmentally and social conscious.”

Derwick Associates and the Hermogenes Lopez Foundation are always looking to help any social, ecological or charitable causes, especially local to their power plants in Venezuela.

Derwick Associates Funds School Projects

Helping with Social and Welfare projects is a cause close to our hearts here at Derwick Associates. This is why we created the Hermogenes Lopez Foundation, and have helped with many different causes since its creation. The aim of the Foundation is to help with any notable causes such as charities, sports, artists, culture and educational.

The projects that we help with the Foundation are completely comprehensive, and we always get involved in them. Not only do we construct the building blocks of the schools and centres, but we also monitor their progress and make sure that the communities are incorporated into the project. The reason why we do this is so that we know that the projects will continue to grow over time.

The Derwick Associates foundation is non-profit and helps individuals, communities and families across the country with education, sports and job prospects. Our projects include the creation of the Carmen Salles School in Ciudad Bolivar on behalf of Congregación de las Religiosas Concepcionistas de la Enseñanza. We are so proud of this project because it meant that around 1600 students in the city of Nazareth had access to educational facilities.

We also donated 200 school kits to children in Charallave with the aim of increasing and improving the educational resources available to these families. Those schools which are close to any Derwick Engineering Project are those that we take the biggest interest in.

Another cause helped by the Foundation was the building of a football field, designed to provide recreational and leisure space for families and the community. As well as encouraging being active, we also take part in the Loyola-Tauca project. The main aim of this project is to ensure that all of the culture and traditions of the indigenous people of Puerto Ordaz are protected and preserved.

Energy Company Derwick Associates Helps Communities

Helping communities and individuals is something of utmost importance for Derwick Associates, a leading energy company. Although their main field of expertise is in energy power plants, they are also dedicated to social and environmental protection. In addition to financial support and donations they also spend their time helping individuals and communities in need.

CEO Alejandro Betancourt Lopez and VP Pedro Trebbau Lopez have created the Foundation Hermogenes Lopez to help people who live in the vicinity of a Derwick Associates power plant, by creating a positive impact in their lives. This non-profit organisation works nationwide to help families and communities by providing them with educational and sports facilities, as well as encouraging increased work ethic and the safeguarding of indigenous people. The Foundation allows the projects to come to fruition as well as providing continued support to ensure the long-term viability of a project.

Derwick Associates have become involved in projects such as constructing the Carmen Sallés School in Ciudad Bolivar, which aims to educate 1,600 children. They have also supplied school uniforms for 200 children at the El Saman de Caujarito Community in Charallave. This particular community located in the vicinity of La Raisa power plant, one of Derwick Associates major power generation projects.

Derwick have also funded the "Plan I" soccer field in the community of Caucaguita, Estado Miranda. The aim of this was to provide a safe place for children and young people for leisure and recreation.

They have also created the Derwick Turbine Technology Center, in Guacara in the Estado Carabobo. The aim of this centre is to help with the technological development of the country, by building a workshop giving the ability to repair parts, as well as welding and surface treatment.

Another cause close to the hearts of CEO Alejandro Betancourt Lopez and VP Pedro Trebbau Lopez is the safeguarding of Indigenous People. This is why they assist with the Loyola Project Support Tauca in Puerto Ordaz. This project was created to protect old age cultures and traditions, and was developed by the Loyola Gumilla College.