Residential Wind Turbines

by

SelJones

The wind is one of the oldest sources of renewable energy. Today s residential wind turbines use the same design as traditional windmills, but also take advantage of the latest advances in wind power technology. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small wind turbines for homes are one of the most cost-effective systems for renewable energy.

Homes in open spaces of at least an acre are good candidates for wind turbines. A residential wind turbine can lower a homeowner s utility bill by at least 50 percent. For new homes in remote locations, a wind power system can eliminate the high cost of bringing utility power lines to the home. It can also provide an uninterruptible source of power during extended power outages.

How Residential Wind Turbines Work

Wind, which is generated when the sun s rays make contact with the earth s varied terrain, is a form of solar power. Power can be created from wind by converting its kinetic energy into clean electricity. Residential wind turbines consist of blades that are attached to a rotor. As the wind spins the blades, the turning of the rotor generates an electrical current. An alternator then converts the current into electricity that can be used to meet a home s energy requirements.

Residential wind turbines may be connected to the utility power grid. This means that when the supply of electricity from the wind is low, the home has access to power from the utility company. When the wind turbine generates more electricity than the home needs, it can be sold back to the utility company. This process is referred to as Net Metering, reflecting the fact that the utility meter will spin backward and show excess power that has been sent back to the power grid.

Grid-connected wind turbines are practical in areas with an average wind speed of less than 10 mph. In areas with higher average wind speeds, stand-alone residential wind turbines are another alternative. Also called off-grid systems, this type of wind turbine operates independently of the power grid. An off-grid wind turbine may be used in combination with a residential solar power system to provide complete energy independence for a home.

Wind Turbine Requirements

A home wind turbine is a relatively large device and is not suitable for homes with small lots or in densely populated areas. A tower with a height of 80 to 120 feet is usually supplied with a wind turbine, since wind velocity increases with altitude. The turbine requires a good wind resource, with prevailing winds averaging at least 10 mph. Although residential wind turbines can be found in 47 states, the majority of turbine systems are in the Midwest and Northeast.

Cost of a Wind Power System

Small residential wind turbines range in price from $6,000 to $22,000, including installation. A wind power system will pay for itself through utility savings within 15 years and sometimes as soon as 6 years. A wind turbine system is a good investment for homeowners since it adds long-term value and the potential for utility savings to a home.

Sam Jones the author of this article has been looking at solar panels and energy saving methods including the costs and benefits to the consumers who wish to or are considering to

buy solar panels

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Residential Wind Turbines