Wind farms vs solar power

I have been following the renewable energy debate with interest. Wind farms are unsightly and when placed in the ideal locations on any of the Maltese islands would spoil the views over the countryside for many miles around - disastrous for an island which relies on tourism for much of its income.

Solar panel arrays can form the roofs of factories, supermarkets, car parks or public buildings and remain inconspicuous. They could also be placed in disused quarries, in valleys or on sloping south-facing cliffs.

I spent two weeks on holiday in Malta at the beginning of September this year. I love windsurfing and there were only three days windy enough for me to enjoy my hobby. However, there was plenty of hot sunshine nearly every day. I know you can still use wind power during the hours of darkness, but the wind usually drops at night as well.

Wind power may suit Northern European countries with more wind, less sunshine, large tracts of undeveloped countryside and shallow seas where wind farms can be well out to sea. Malta has none of these and should look towards solar power.