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Like any major home modification, the decision to install a home wind generator is not a matter to be taken lightly. There are pros and cons to weigh, specifically in reference to where you live and there is preparation to be done before installation begins. In the interests of simplifying the process, we present to you here a summary of how to go about making this important decision.
How Much Wind Power is Available Where I Live?
If you happen to live in North- or South Dakota, then it should come as no surprise to you that you should have no problem powering all the homes you want via wind power; North Dakota alone has enough wind to power over forty percent of all US energy needs as of 2002! On the other hand, if you live in the Deep South, than wind power doesnít look like such a winning proposition. If you are uncertain, it may be wise to check a wind map before you embark on this journey.
If you live in a particularly hilly or mountainous area, additional wind measurements may be needed to ensure that the wind is not blocked where you live, otherwise such measurements would generally not be worth the cost.
How Much Power Will I Need?
A typical American home consumes an average of slightly more than one kilowatt of power, however a significantly larger wind turbine than a 1 kW model would be required to meet the demands of such a home, depending on the wind available to you, because of the uneven availability of winds fast enough to generate this much power. The American Wind Energy Association advises that a typical American homeowner should choose a wind turbine rated at between 5 and 15 kilowatts.
How Much Will a Home Wind Generator Cost?
Home wind generators are a large investment: a good setup will incur a substantial initial cost, but bring significant savings over the years it operates. A small home-sized wind turbine may cost between $6,000 and $22,000 to purchase and install depending on the model and service agreements made with the manufacturer. Once operational, home wind generators can shave anywhere from fifty to ninety percent off your electric bill, recouping the initial investment in as little as six years under optimal conditions. In northern areas where little air-conditioning is required, wind turbines can result in a very small electric bill indeed!
Connecting to the Utility Grid
You will need to connect to the utility grid, in order to provide power when your wind turbine is not producing enough power to run your entire home. However, you also will have the opportunity to sell power to your electric utility when you are producing more power than your home needs at that time; the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 requires public utilities to accept power from small (less than 80 MW) wind energy providers. Your electric utility should be able to advise you on how to go about connecting your wind generator to the grid.
The basic wiring of your home will not need to be changed; however, professional electricians from your electric utility will be needed to connect your generator to the power grid through your electric meter.
A tower of 80 to 120 feet will be provided with the generator kit, in the case of traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines.
Conclusions
Though wind power can be a great investment to the right homeowner, factors including availability of wind and your power needs will determine just how good an investment it is to you. These resources are provided to you so that you may make this determination more readily; if you decide that wind power is for you, care should be taken to find the best (legitimate) deal in wind power available to you.
Pamella Neely writes about wood stoves for sale, wood cook stoves for sale and soapstone wood stoves. You can read about what features to get in a wood stove and how to qualify for up to a $1500 tax credit on your new wood stove at her site.