Wind Energy Info

If you are considering using wind energy to power your home, there are a number of considerations. The following wind energy info will help you decide if wind energy is for you.

Wind Energy Info

By investing in a small wind energy system, you can reduce pollution and reduce your exposure to future fuel shortages and price increases. Deciding whether to purchase a wind system, however, is complicated. There are many factors to consider. If you have the right set of circumstances, a well-designed wind energy system can provide you with many years of cost-effective, clean, and reliable electricity.

Wind energy systems provide a cushion against electricity price increases. Wind energy systems reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, and they don't emit greenhouse gases. If you are building a home in a remote location, a small wind energy system can help you avoid the high costs of extending utility power lines to your site.

Although wind energy systems involve a significant initial investment, they can be competitive with conventional energy sources when you account for a lifetime of reduced or altogether avoided utility costs. They length of the payback period - the time before the savings resulting from your system equal the system cost - depends on the system you choose, the amount of wind on your property, electric utility rates in your area, and how you use your wind system.

Small wind energy systems can be used in connection with an electricity transmission and distribution system (called grid-connected systems) or in stand-alone applications that are not connected to the utility grid. A grid-connected wind turbine can reduce your consumption of utility-supplied electricity for lighting, appliances, and electric heat. If the turbine cannot deliver the amount of energy you need, the utility makes up the difference. When the wind system produces more electricity than the household requires, the excess can be sold to the utility. With the interconnections available today, switching takes place automatically. Stand-alone wind energy systems can be appropriate for homes, farms, or even entire communities that are far from the nearest utility lines. Either type of system can be practical if the following conditions exist.

Conditions for stand-alone systems:

• You live in an area with average annual wind speeds of at least 9 miles per hour.
• A grid connection is not available or can only be made through an expensive extension.
• You have an interest in gaining energy independence from the utility.
• You would like to reduce the environmental impact of electricity production.
• You acknowledge the intermittent nature of wind power and have a strategy for using intermittent resources to meet your power needs.

Conditions for grid-connected systems:

• You live in an area with average annual wind speeds of at least 10 miles per hour.
• Utility-supplied electricity is expensive in your area.
• The utility's requirements for connecting your system to its grid are not prohibitively expensive.
• Local building codes or covenants allow you to legally erect a wind turbine on your property.
• You are comfortable with long-term investments.

Before you invest any time and money, research potential legal and environmental obstacles to installing a wind system. Some jurisdictions, for example, restrict the height of the structures permitted in residentially zoned areas, although variances are often obtainable. Your neighbors might object to a wind machine that blocks their view, or they might be concerned about noise. Consider obstacles that might block the wind in the future (large planned developments or saplings, for example). If you plan to connect the wind generator to your local utility company's grid, find out its requirements for interconnections and buying electricity from small independent power producers.

When you are confident that you can install a wind machine legally and without alienating your neighbors, you can begin pricing systems and components. Approach buying a wind system as you would any major purchase. Obtain and review the product literature from several manufacturers. Once you have narrowed the field, research a few companies to be sure they are recognized wind energy businesses and that parts and service will be available when you need them. Also, find out how long the warranty lasts and what it includes.

Ask for references of customers with installations similar to the one you are considering. Ask system owners about performance, reliability, and maintenance and repair requirements, and whether the system is meeting their expectations.

Once you’ve obtained the above wind energy info, you’ll be ready to make a decision. If wind energy is a viable option, you’ll love it. Nothing beats the satisfaction of getting a utility bill with $10 or nothing due.

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