Wind energy is nothing new as farms around the world have utilized windmills to harness the power of the wind for generations., wind turbines for the home as a component of a modern alternative energy generation source for the home are today increasing in popularity in the face of rising energy prices and green consciousness. However, just as there are for other green sources of energy, there are pros and cons associated with wind energy for the home.
There is little argument that alternative energy is the desirable means of generating electricity for the home.There are numerous ways that many people have already been pursuing lower-cost alternatives, such as insulating their homes, purchasing energy-efficient appliances or using compact fluorescent and LED lighting technology. These are all relatively inexpensive, and perhaps with the exception of a full home insulation job, things that take a minimal amount of effort. Where can wind energy fit into a plan to lower energy expenses in your home?
Wind power is attractive as it uses a free energy source to create electricity via wind turbines. The more wind available to turn the turbines, the more electricity is generated.If one has a "Grid-tie" system, excess energy can be sold back to the utility company.Also, those who install residential wind systems according to specifications before December 2016 can receive tax credits.
Wind energy for the home is a tax-free form of energy. Unlike the metering of power via the grid by a utility company, the government does not measure how much wind energy is being consumed.This is particularly attractive in an economy where rising taxes is the norm.
Wind power is clean, creating no pollutants. The costs of building and installing wind turbines for the home can be very affordable if one is able to complete their own DIY project.
Just by nature of the materials involved, wind turbines can cost a lot less than solar cell panels. Solar panels are expensive to manufacture and commodities such as silver and aluminum fluctuate widely with the supply and demand variables of the global markets. Materials needed for the construction of wind turbines can be had for low cost, and generators can be bought via consumer channels such as eBay.
Combined with existing power resources (e.g. “the grid”), a home wind power system can not only reduce overall energy expenses, but with a battery system, serve as a backup power source in the event of system-wide power outages.
Home wind power systems can also compliment other alternative energy sources, such as solar in "Off-the-Grid" systems to help make for an energy independent lifestyle. Wind power can offset those conditions where sun energy is diminished, such as in the winter or on cloudy days.
Of course, similar to our lack of control over how much sun hits a solar cell panel, we do not have control over how much wind is available to turn the wind turbines. Days may go by where there is very little electrical generation due to lack of of wind.
Wind energy generation will vary widely depending upon where one is located.
Installation of wind turbines for the home, and overall wind energy system takes shopping and quite a bit of planning:
Determining the best location for your wind turbines, choose the appropriate size of wind turbines, decide whether you will have a grid-connected or stand-alone system.
Investigation of local zoning, permitting and neighborhood covenant requirements.
If installing a tower, one will need to be able to pour a proper cement foundation and obtain the means to erect the tower, such as a lift.
Knowledge of proper electrical wiring and electrical safety codes is required.
One must know or learn how to properly handle and install a battery system to store the electricity created by the wind turbines and generator(s).
None of these things are difficult to learn, but if it seems too daunting, a system integrator/installer should be called in to give you an installation quote so you can crunch your numbers and decide how such an alternative power system will work in your favor financially, not to mention benefit the environment over the long run.
For more information regarding "Wind Energy for the Home," visit http://diygreenhome.com.