With the present state of our environment, now more than ever do we need to turn to using such renewable energies. In areas like farmlands and other open fields unobstructed by trees and hills, a large number of residential homes have in homes with their own wind turbines, some of which had no outside power lines at all. The first thing to consider in installing a wind turbine generator in your homes would obviously be the wind source. Your area should be nowhere near tall buildings and structures, as it will have a distinct effect on the wind turbines' efficiency to produce electricity. American Wind Energy Association states that it is best if the home is located on one acre or more due to the size of a small wind turbine. It should rise high enough above objects on the ground to lower wind turbulence. With an average home requirement of 9,400 kilowatt-hours per year, a turbine should be rated 5 to 15 kilowatts. Individual turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatt, the typical domestic system would be 1 - 6 kilowatts. It can be retrofitted into any homes without the need for re-wiring. There are two basic types of wind turbines: the horizontal and vertical axis. The more common horizontal axis needs to be aimed directly at the wind. The vertical axis, although it can face any direction the wind is blowing requires more ground space than horizontal axis turbines. Neighbours must also be considered when installing a wind turbine. Let them know of your plan and keep the turbine away from neighbouring houses as much as possible to avoid arguments. As any other merchandise, wind turbine generators have its advantages as well as disadvantages. Other than providing a clean, infinite energy source, other advantages include inexpensiveness. After equipment and installation expenses, wind turbines will last for about 20 years and requires very little maintenance. This typically lowers electric bill by 50 to 90 percent. A disadvantage however, is that the electricity produced at any one time by a wind turbine is highly reliant on the speed and direction of the wind. Wind energy cannot be stored using batteries, thus may not meet timely electric needs. Users also listed that the noise produced by the motors as a disadvantage and that it interferes with TV receptions, but modern technology today ensures that home turbines make less noise than average washing machine, and does not affect TV signals at all.
Wind power generation, an alternative and renewable energy source, has seen a dramatic increase in the last few years. Technological advances make it more and more feasible to install wind power generators for individual homes. The newer systems are more efficient and quieter.
Not every geographical location however, is suited for installing a wind power generator. A consistent wind, with average speeds of approximately 11 miles per hour is required to make a wind energy system feasible. Lower wind speeds can be suitable for battery charging and water pumping in your remote weekend cottage.
Wind availability maps are published by the US National Renewable Energy Lab. You can get a general idea from these maps if you are living in a state and county with sufficiently high winds.
Once you confirm this, you will need to also check if your exact location experiences the required, consistent average wind speeds. If your home, your property is located on the side of a hill, your sheltered location might not provide the required wind speeds. Maybe you can install the wind turbine high enough, to just extend it over the ridge. You will then possibly be able to pick up sufficient wind.
Local wind maps, can also be found at the National Renewable Energy Lab. These maps howver, are not very easy to read and understand. Fortunately though, you can simply contact a wind power manufacturer, such as those listed in the American Wind Energy Association website. They can tell you if it is feasible to install a wind power generator for your home.
At this point, just get some general information about the feasibility of installing a wind power system for your home. You have some more checking to do, before you spend a lot of your and the manufacturer's time on details.
Next step is to check the local codes and requirements. Your town might have some bylaws, or if you live in a subdivision, there might be restrictions in place, that will not allow you to install a wind power generator for your home. Don't let that deter you! Get a petition going in your town or city to change the bylaws.
Talk to the neighbor hood association. Who knows, maybe the whole subdivision will end up supporting a wind power generator for all the homes! Don't forget to also talk to your neighbors. Unfortunately, some people still believe that all wind energy generators are noisy and kill birds. Inform the neighbors as you investigate and learn more.
Once you know that no local laws, regulations, neighbors or neighbor hood associations will stop you, it is time to talk to the manufacturers again.
I recommend talking to at least two different wind power manufacturers with different types of rotors, such as horizontal propeller blades, or vertical 'egg beater' blades. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. You want to make sure that the type of system you end up installing is the best for your particular application.
Ask the manufacturer a lot of questions, such as:
- How much clearance is required around the tower and rotor blades? - How tall will the wind tower be? - What are the noise emissions? Do they have certified sound data? - How many installations have they done? Can you go see one? - What output can you expect from their system? - What is the installed cost per kilowatt-hour? - What kind of warranties do they provide? - What will they need from you to do to make it happen? (besides money) - Will they apply for the required permits? - Will they make the connection to the electric grid? - Will you have to hire a general contractor?
Compare all the answers between the different models and manufacturers and then you can make an educated decision.
A handful of States provide some incentives for installing small wind power systems. Check with your state and local governments. Another option could be to get a reduced-rate mortgage for adding the wind power system. Check with your mortgage company or mortgage broker.
If you find after doing all this research, that wind power is not the solution for you, then maybe a solar photovoltaic system is your solution.
I do hope that you will be able to install either a solar energy system or a wind power generator for your home.
Both James Erwin & Christiane Perrin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.