Using Wind Turbines for the Home
Wind Turbines for the Home
Wind turbines for the home collect wind energy that is converted into electricity to power home appliances, lights, computers and other mechanical items in the home that rely upon electricity to work efficiently. The electrical output from the wind turbine undergoes a utility compatibility process and the breaker panel pushes the energy flow into the house through the household wiring. All extra energy output not consumed in the home is sold back to the utility company.
Urban or small-lot suburban homes lack the necessary land space to accommodate the large size of a wind turbine. It is recommended that wind turbines for the home will be more suitable for property sizes of one or more acres of land. Considerations about wind turbine purchase and usage should include the average wind speed, whether or not the wind turbine comes with a rebate or tax credit at the time of purchase, and electricity costs. It is recommended that homeowners have wind speeds averaging at ten miles per hour with electrical costs of ten or more cents per kilowatt-hour.
The least expensive wind turbines for the home are horizontal-axis propeller type systems consisting of a rotor, generator, mainframe and tail. The rotor consisting of two or three blades made from either wood or fiberglass captures the wind’s kinetic energy and then converts this energy into rotary motion that runs the energy-producing generator. Each wind turbine should be installed on a tower at least thirty feet over the roof of a home or other obstacle to have sufficient wind access to produce energy efficiently. The guyed-lattice tower is the least expensive and is also used to support ham radio antennas. Smaller wind turbines for the home may also be mounted on telephone poles reducing installation costs.
Cost of Wind Turbines for the Home
A ten kilowatt wind turbine ranges in installation cost from approximately $48,000 to $65,000 and equipment costs average $40,000. However, wind turbines for the home are worth the initial investment cost because they help the homeowner save utility costs for period between six to thirty years. After that, all energy generated by the wind turbine will cost the homeowner next to nothing. Wind turbines for the home are excellent investments because the money saved by not having to pay for a service may be recycled into increasing a home’s value.
The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) encourages the use of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly energy. Utilities are required to permit a homeowner to install a wind generator and pay the homeowner the cost of unconsumed electrical power. Wind turbines for the home are more attractive because of this value added benefit.
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