How Home Wind Power Systems Work

To install a home wind power system, you need to live on at least one acre.  Home wind power turbines are too large for smaller lots.  Most homes require 9,400 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, so you would need a wind turbine rated from 5 to 15 kilowatts to meet your electricity needs. 

Home wind power turbines are mounted atop a tower that’s 80 to 120 feet tall. Turbines collect kinetic energy from wind and convert it to electricity. 

You will not have to alter any electrical wiring in your house to install a home wind power system.  Your utility will install another meter to measure how much surplus electricity it is purchasing from you.

Federal regulations require utilities to connect to and purchase power from home wind power systems smaller than 80 megawatts.  Home wind power turbine manufacturers can help you arrange approval from your local utility. 

In a typical home wind power setup, some electricity comes from the turbine, and some is purchased from the utility service provider.  If winds are below what’s called cut-in speed, which is less than seven to 10 mph, the home wind power turbine produces no output, and all the home’s electricity is purchased from the utility provider. 

When wind speeds increase, so does turbine output.  This decreases the amount of electricity purchased from the utility.  If the turbine produces more electricity than your home needs, the excess electricity is sold to the utility.  This process is automatic; no batteries are required. 

Home Wind Power Systems Produce Zero Pollution   

Home wind power turbines emit zero pollution.  Over its life, a home wind power turbine can offset 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases that exacerbate global warming and climate change.  Now that’s sustainable living! 

Home wind power turbines also emit very little noise pollution.  Your washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator are much louder—and not nearly as much fun. 

Home Wind Power Systems Save Money

You should pay at least 10 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity and have a 10 mph average wind speed in your area for your sustainable home wind power system to pay off.

A home wind power turbine typically lowers your electric bill by 50 to 90 percent.  Home owners with a home wind power turbine have a monthly electric bill of only $8 to $15 per month for nine months of the year.  If you are really into sustainable living by using little or no air conditioning, your bill can be that low year-round. 

Installed home wind power systems may cost from $6,000 to $22,000, depending on size and any service agreements with the manufacturer.  Most home wind power turbines require zero regular maintenance.  They are designed to operate for at least 20 years. 

Your home wind power system will pay off within six to 15 years.  After that period, the electricity produced is virtually free.  A home wind power system also increases property value and guards against skyrocketing, unpredictable world energy costs. 

You can install your home wind power system yourself, or you can opt for the dealer to install it.  Just as with other home improvements, your technical prowess can save you money. 

Not only will you go green by installing home wind power, but you will save some green, too! 

References

• http://www.awea.org/faq/rsdntqa.html