In an era where energy costs are unpredictabe and ESG mandates are becoming non-negotiable, Indian enterprises are rethinking their power strategies. Solar and wind — once viewed as futuristic — are now boardroom decisions. But what’s the right mix for your business? In this blog, we decode solar vs wind energy, not just from a technical perspective, but as a strategic lever for sustainable business growth.
The country surpassed 200 GW in renewable energy capacity in 2024, with solar accounting for over 110 GW and wind for over 45 GW. While solar continues to dominate capacity additions, wind energy is seeing a resurgence in hybrid models. This reinforces the growing interest in both energy sources and raises questions like: what is the difference between solar and wind energy, and how do we choose?
However, the energy source you select is only half the equation. The business model you adopt — captive, group captive, or third-party power purchase agreements (PPAs) — can significantly impact cost, reliability, and scalability. The comparison between solar energy and wind energy becomes more complex once cost structures and operational efficiencies are factored in.
This blog focuses on uptime, CUF (capacity utilisation factor), wind power vs solar power cost, development timelines, and regulatory advantages. More importantly, it draws a strategic comparison of procurement models to help you make the most risk-mitigated and capital-efficient energy decision for your business.
Solar energy is modular, scalable, and increasingly affordable – making it the most widely adopted renewable energy source by commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers. Solarpower systems convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity can be consumed onsite or fed back into the grid.
Strategic Business Advantages:
Ideal Use Cases:
Case in Point: Wonder Cement powers both its Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra facilities via third-party solar open-access PPAs with Sunsure Energy, displacing over 65% of grid power at both sites. This is a prime example of how solar energy can be leveraged for cost-effective power procurement.
Wind energy offers excellent CUF and complements solar with high night-time generation. However, it’s more geography-dependent, with viable corridors largely concentrated in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharahtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Strategic Business Advantages:
Wind energy often appeals to businesses seeking long-duration contracts and energy diversification.
Constraints:
Higher Upfront Investment: Setting up wind plants is costlier than solar — an important factor in wind power vs solar power cost analysis.
| Parameter | Solar Energy | Wind Energy |
| CUF | 17%–23% | 25%–35% |
| Tariff Range (Open Access) | ₹2.30–₹4.00/kWh | ₹3.00–₹5.00/kWh |
| Space Requirement (Small) | ~180 sq. ft. for a 3 kW rooftop system | ~1,600–2,000 sq. m for a 25 kW wind turbine |
| Space Requirement (Large) | ~3,900 sq. ft. (approx. 360 sq. m) for a 65 kW ground-mounted solar system | ~6,000–10,000 sq. m for a 90 kW wind turbine |
| Annual Output per kW | 1,000–2,000 kWh per kW installed (varies by solar irradiance) | 1,800–2,500 kWh per kW installed (in high wind zones with ≥6 m/s average speed) |
| Ideal Geographies | High irradiance zones: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu | High wind zones: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, coastal areas |
This strategic comparison between solar energy and wind energy can help businesses make the right energy investment – based on space, CUF, location, and time-to-power.
Choosing the right procurement model can be more decisive than choosing the energy source. Let’s look at the options:
Self-Owned Captive Plant:
Group Captive Model (Recommended):
Third-Party Open Access PPA:
When evaluating these options, understanding the similarities between solar and wind energy — like their ability to decarbonise power supply and reduce long-term operational costs — can clarify the business case further.
With energy demand growing and grid reliability challenges rising, Round-the-Clock (RTC) power via solar + wind + storage is emerging as a preferred solution.
Example: Sify Technologies and Emcure Pharma are powering their high-reliability operations via Sunsure’s renewable energy solutions.
When evaluating solar vs wind energy, leaders should consider:
With increasing clarity on the advantages of solar and wind energy, procurement teams can now create informed, future-ready energy strategies.
Founded in 2014, Sunsure Energy is the preferred renewable energy solutions provider for India’s leading businesses transitioning to green power. As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), Sunsure enables corporations across India to embrace clean energy through long-term round-the-clock (RTC) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that offset up to 70% of power use to renewable energy through a mix of solar, wind and battery storage technologies while reducing costs by up to 50% compared to conventional sources.
To ensure smooth transition to green power, Sunsure specializes in off-site captive and third party PPAs using solar, wind and hybrid sources of power, via both Intra-State and Inter-State connectivities. With power trading and green attributes capabilities, the company enables 100% transition to green energy for the customer. Backed by Partners Group AG with a $400 million equity investment, Sunsure is one of India’s fastest-growing companies, on track to become the biggest renewable energy company of the country. The company operates 500 MW of renewable assets, has 7.6 GW under development, and is scaling up to achieve 10 GW of operational capacity by 2030.
You need to clean the solar panels at least twice a year, or quarterly in dusty areas. On the other hand, wind turbines require maintenance once or twice annually. It includes checks on mechanical and electrical systems, minor repairs, and replacement of consumables like oils and filters.
Solar panels perform best in cool, sunny weather (20-25°C), with efficiency decreasing in higher temperatures. Rain can improve efficiency by cleaning the panels. Wind turbines are affected by extreme weather, such as storms, high winds, salt corrosion, and lightning, but are designed to withstand these challenges with protective measures and design strategies.
Solar and wind energy can help in building a hybrid system, combining both solar panels and wind turbines to produce electricity. This approach creates a more reliable and sustainable energy solution. By harnessing the advantages of solar and wind energy, solar energy during the day and wind energy at night or when the sun is not shining.
Solar panels typically last 25-30 years, with most manufacturers offering 25-year warranties. They usually pay back their installation cost in 6-10 years through energy savings. Wind turbines, ranging from 5 kW (residential) to 5 MW (utility-scale), have a lifespan of 20 years and are 20%-40% efficient, requiring maintenance every six months.
Solar power helps businesses lower energy costs, enhance their eco-friendly image, and support sustainability goals. It reduces carbon footprints and can generate revenue by selling excess energy. Wind energy also promotes sustainability by offering a clean, renewable energy source, cutting emissions, and creating potential economic opportunities for businesses and communities.
