Photovoltaic or wind farms – which is more profitable in 2025?

In recent years, we have seen significant simplifications in the construction of PV farms – from simplified administrative procedures to the availability of subsidies. Photovoltaics continue to be popular, especially in well-sunlit regions. On the other hand, wind energy, after a period of stagnation caused by statutory restrictions, is starting to attract investors again. In 2025, changes were adopted to liberalize the so-called 10H rule, opening the way for many new projects.

When comparing both technologies, one must consider the initial cost, but also the degree of natural resource utilization, operational reliability, and profitability in the context of changing regulations. Also significant is the issue of energy surplus storage and grid retrieval – this topic is gaining importance as the net-metering model is gradually being replaced by hourly billing.

Technology and operation method

Photovoltaic farms use solar radiation, which, when hitting silicon modules, triggers the photovoltaic effect – the process of generating direct current. This current is converted by an inverter into alternating current and then fed into the grid. These installations are static, do not generate noise, and do not significantly impact the landscape. Their efficiency in practice depends on sunlight, module tilt, and the presence of any shading obstacles.

Wind turbines, on the other hand, use wind power to rotate rotor blades, allowing the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy. Modern wind farms in Poland are most often built in the horizontal version, with three blades, and reach capacities from several to a dozen megawatts. Energy production is possible around the clock – including at night and in winter – as long as the wind speed is within the turbine’s operating range.

Natural conditions in Poland – who has the advantage?

In the case of PV farms, the decisive factor is the level of sunlight, which in Poland ranges from 950 to 1150 kWh/m² annually.
The most favorable conditions occur in the southwestern regions of the country, especially in Lower Silesia and Opole. To achieve high efficiency, an appropriate orientation and tilt angle of the panels is also necessary – ideally to the south, in the range of 30–40°.

Wind farms, in turn, work best in northern and central Poland – particularly in Pomerania, Greater Poland, Mazovia, and the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. A prerequisite for effective turbine operation is an average wind speed above 5 m/s. Terrain formation is also important – preferably open and obstacle-free.

Investment costs and return on investment – comparison

From the above table, it follows that although wind farms are more expensive to build, they offer higher efficiency per megawatt. PV farms, on the other hand, while cheaper and simpler to implement, are more dependent on weather conditions and do not operate at night. The choice of technology therefore depends not only on the budget but also on land availability and location characteristics.

Efficiency and reliability throughout the year

Solar panels in Poland produce the most energy during the summer months – from April to September. In winter, their efficiency may drop by as much as 60–80%. In practice, this means significant seasonality in production. Wind turbines, on the other hand, achieve better results in winter and transitional seasons, providing a more uniform annual profile.

PV farms are characterized by low failure rates and simple maintenance – they mainly require cleaning and periodic inspections. Wind turbines, on the other hand, require regular mechanical servicing, but a well-maintained turbine can operate for over 25 years with minimal efficiency loss.

Hybrid as an intermediate solution?

More and more investors are considering solutions combining PV farms and wind turbines. This approach allows for more uniform energy production throughout the year and better use of the power grid.

During the day, photovoltaics are the dominant source, while at night or during cloudy periods, the turbines operate. This allows for a self-consumption ratio of up to 70%. This approach reduces reliance on net metering systems and increases resilience to regulatory changes.

Hybrid installations are more expensive at the investment stage but offer greater supply stability and allow better management of energy surpluses. Many EU countries are seeing growing interest in such models, and in Poland, a dynamic development of this segment is expected in the coming years.

Which is more profitable?

There is no single answer to the question of whether to choose a photovoltaic or wind farm in 2025. For investors with sufficiently large land located in areas with stable and strong wind, a wind farm may be more profitable due to higher energy production and a more consistent profile. On the other hand, PV installations are cheaper to implement, quicker to launch, and simpler to operate.

The most effective solution may be a combination of both technologies. This model optimizes production while also allowing the investor to protect against legal changes and limited grid capacity. In a time of energy transition and growing demand for green energy, investments in RES – regardless of the technology chosen – remain one of the most secure development directions in 2025.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Which technology is cheaper to build – a photovoltaic farm or a wind farm?
A photovoltaic farm is cheaper to implement. The average cost of building 1 MW in 2025 is around PLN 2.8–3.5 million. In comparison, a wind farm requires an investment of about PLN 5–6 million per 1 MW of installed capacity.
2. How quickly can a return on investment be expected?
For a photovoltaic farm, the payback period is usually 6–8 years. A wind farm, due to higher initial costs, pays off over a longer period – from 9 to 12 years.
3. Which installation is more efficient annually?
A wind farm is more efficient – 1 MW of installed capacity produces approximately 2,000–3,000 MWh of energy per year, whereas a photovoltaic farm achieves 1,000–1,200 MWh. This is due to the ability of turbines to operate at night and during winter.
4. Where in Poland is it best to build PV farms, and where wind farms?
PV farms are best located in south-western Poland (e.g., Lower Silesia, Opole region). Wind farms are most effective in the north and central parts of the country – in Pomerania, Greater Poland, Mazovia, and Warmia-Masuria.
5. What are the main differences in the operation of both types of farms?
Photovoltaic farms mainly require module cleaning and periodic technical inspections. Wind turbines require regular mechanical servicing, but when well maintained, they can operate for up to 30 years.
6. Did legal changes in 2025 affect the profitability of wind farms?
Yes, the liberalization of the 10H rule enabled new wind projects to be implemented in more locations, which increased the profitability of such investments.
7. Is a hybrid installation a good solution?
Yes, combining PV and wind farms allows for a more balanced energy production throughout the year, increases self-consumption, and improves the use of the power grid, although the initial investment is more expensive.
8. What is the significance of energy storage in this type of investment?
Energy storage is gaining importance as it allows better management of overproduction and increases independence from grid settlement systems. This becomes especially important with the gradual shift from net-metering to hourly billing.