Residential Wind Turbines

Marcus — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Energy costs getting you down? Looking to cut down on bills, and get a little greener in the process? With energy bills rising by as much as fifty percent in recent years, chances are you’re eager for some alternatives. Which is where wind power comes in. Wind is a clean, efficient, sustainable and cost-effective source of energy, and it’s rapidly growing in popularity. A growing number of homes in the U.S. are opting to have residential wind turbines installed, and as a result are seeing dramatic reductions in their energy costs. Think wind power might be right for you? Keep reading to find out more.

Why wind?

First off, wind power will save you money—as much as 50-90 percent on your electric bill! Although wind turbines can cost from $6,000- $22,000, it’s an investment that usually pays for itself in around six to fifteen years. Once the cost of the turbine has been recouped, it’s not uncommon to see electric bills of $8- $15 dollars for up to nine months of the year! In addition, wind power is good for the environment—it produces zero pollution, and every kilowatt hour that is powered by wind will offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company.

What kinds of residences are eligible for wind power?

Since a wind turbine is a relatively large structure, this type of power isn’t really suitable for small-lot suburban homes or anything in an urban setting. Usually, a house on an acre or more of land is desirable. It’s also important to consider wind speed in your area—in order for a turbine to be efficient, wind speed should be at an average of at least 10 miles per hour.

Where can I buy a residential wind turbine?

Take a look at this list of small wind turbine equipment providers.

Is there any way to benefit from wind power if I live in a small and/or urban location?

Why, yes, there is. In most areas, you can contact your energy company and switch to green power—that is, your energy company will purchase your power from sustainable energy sources in lieu of coal or oil. There is a minor charge, but it usually only amounts to a few extra dollars per month. This is a great alternative for city dwellers who wish they could install a massive wind tower on the top of their high rise.

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

Can You Harness Wind Power or Not?

Home Wind-Power Turbines Going Mainstream

What YOU Should Know About Wind Power!

Can You Use Wind Turbines to Power Your Home?

Inexpensive Residential Wind Turbine -- Wind Power

jchait — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:53:37 -0400

Over at one of my favorite green blogs, The Alternative Consumer, I saw a post about inexpensive residential wind turbine. That's very cool, because while nifty, thus far, powering your home with wind, hasn't exactly been the most cost efficient option. If you'd like to learn about the inexpensive wind turbine, check out the Alternative Consumer post linked above. If you're new to idea of wind power, keep reading, and we'll look at some basic facts.

Wind is a great way to provide energy for your home, without depleting natural resources. Wind power has really changed how people can live off-grid, or with less of an earth impact in recent years.

There are many different sorts of wind turbine systems available. They run the gamete, from big to small, to less powerful to full force, and some are hybrid, which means a wind/solar system.

With all wind power systems comes some basic benefits, like...

Lower energy bills. In some cases people use wind power to reduce their energy costs. In great cases you can power up, using wind and other methods and reduce your paid our energy costs to zero (after all system costs and installation of course).

Bergey Windpower, one of the world’s leading suppliers of small wind turbines suggests that you first work on conservation efforts to save on energy costs and then make the move to wind power to supplement the rest.

Bergey Windpower offers a quick test on wind power feasibility. They note, if you'd like to, "recoup your investment in 15 years or less, you should consider wind power if: Your electricity costs more than 11 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), your area has an average wind speed of 11 miles-per-hour (mph) or more, and, you have one (1) acre of property or more."

Earth benefits: Thankfully, wind is still renewable, we haven't run out yet. In some areas wind works better (obviously) but proper placement can also allow someone in a low-wind area to utilize this system.To see what kind of resources are saved when people use wind, both eco and eco-economically, visit the Earth Policy Institute.

Power when there is no power: If you have a back up generator wind power is useful during outages, and if you live off-grid bringing in wind and solar can be cheaper than bringing in utility. Of course the side benefit is that you won't be dependent on the energy grid and rising costs.

No see a run-down of more wind power benefits visit NRG Systems. The Realities of Wind Energy is a great article that tells it like it is when it comes to wind power, plus offers installation tips.

You also might like to read Treehugger's take on one popular wind turbine question: Common Eco-Myth: Wind Turbines Kill Birds.

Want to learn more about wind power?

Wind Turbine Power: Farmers Turning the Wind Into Gold

Can You Harness Wind Power or Not?

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