Sustainable Ideas...

In my series of posts last week related to choosing the perfect land for your green home, I mentioned wind power. Wind power is cool but not all plots of land will allow for decent wind power. If wind power is something you do want to utilize, either right out of the gate or later on, then you need to choose land that works.

Some wind options include wind-powered water pumps or a wind energy generator. To make sure you can utilize this renewable resource here's what to look for:

You need reliable wind - year round if possible, although many are now simply combining solar and wind. Make sure to study the wind patterns in your area. Mapping wind rates and strengths can take up to a year - obviously because it's nice to know what the wind is like year round. But you can take some shortcuts by using the following resources:

• State Wind Resource Maps
• Wind Web Tutorial
• For a somewhat hefty price WindLogics will map your wind for you. It's costly, but is noted as giving an accurate idea of what sort of wind situation you have.

Identify obstructions to wind flow on your land. Mountain ranges, a valley, a forest, buildings, and other obstructions can all distort the wind that reaches your home.

In my opinion, wind is a much more difficult energy source to estimate than solar. The best plan if you'd like wind powered anything on your land is to read a lot of good books on wind power - start with the Solar Living Sourcebook. for some good book referrals. Even better talk with a housing professional who has experience with wind and wind power density.

Want to learn more about wind power?

Wind Turbine Power: Farmers Turning the Wind Into Gold 

Inexpensive Residential Wind Turbine—Wind Power—Alternative Energy For Your Home

Home Wind-Power Turbines Going Mainstream

What YOU Should Know About Wind Power!

Can You Use Wind Turbines to Power Your Home?

Residential Wind Power