Friday, August 28, 2009

The Basics Of Residential Wind Power

By David Glen

If you live in a region where the prevailing winds are regular and relatively strong, then you can probably install a residential wind turbine to save a great deal on your electrical energy costs. A wind turbine can help you to use less power from your local utility company, especially when used in conjunction with photovoltaic cells. Some people living in areas where conditions are ideal have even managed to go completely off the grid! While that's not possible for most of us, the ability of a wind turbine to turn the kinetic energy of wind into the electrical power you need for your home can save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills.

Most homes which use residential wind power also draw electricity from their local utility company as well. If wind speeds are below the turbine's cut in speed (typically 7-10 mph), then the turbine will produce no power and all of the home's energy needs will be met by the utility company. However, when wind speeds are above the turbine's cut in speed, then the turbine generates power, lessening the amount drawn from the power grid. Any electricity produced which is above and beyond that needed for the home may be sold back to the local electricity supplier.

The typical wind turbine system owner sees a savings of around 50% on their electricity costs; depending on weather conditions and the home's energy needs, this may be slightly more or less.

A wind power system is dependent on the average wind speed in the area where it is installed. Homeowners will find that their turbines yield the best results when installed in areas which see average wind speeds of 10 mph and up.

However, home owners don't usually need to take measurements of wind speed in order to use residential wind power systems. This data is already freely available without having to do your own tests; though you may want to look up the average wind speed in your area before you install. If you happen to live somewhere which has enough wind to make a residential wind turbine cost effective, then you may go ahead and install the residential wind turbine in confidence.

A residential wind system does not interfere with television signals or electronic communications and operates quietly. They're also fairly easy to install, provided you have a small amount of technical skill; the average do-it-yourselfer can install a wind turbine system with ease. Your electricity supplier may install a second electrical meter to track the amount of electricity which you sell back to them.

Complete, ready to install wind turbine systems are readily available, though homeowners can also choose to buy the necessary parts and install it themselves. Purchasing a ready to install system costs a bit more but comes with more comprehensive support if needed. Installing a wind turbine on one's own requires a little more technical know-how, but also a significant savings over a ready to install system. People interested in a residential wind power system should look into the pros and cons of each option for themselves to choose which is best for their needs.

A home wind power generator can save homeowners a considerable amount of money as well as being environmentally sound. A wind turbine creates no pollutants and reduce your reliance on greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels; it's good for the Earth and great for your pocketbook.

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