Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Basics Of Residential Wind Power

By David Glen

An area that has adequate wind can simply have a wind-based energy system that enhances the energy provided by the local utility company. A residential wind turbine is a great alternative source in meeting energy requirements. It is often configured in combination with a photovoltaic system, as most of the parts required for wind power generation are also needed for solar power. Once ensconced on top of a tower, a wind turbine accumulates kinetic energy from the wind and transfers it to electricity attuned with a home's electrical system.

The majority of homes which have a residential wind power system use power from the local utility company in addition to their wind turbines. The reason for this is that most wind turbines have a cut-in speed (usually 7 to ten mph). If the wind speed falls below this, then power must be drawn from the local grid. When the wind is moving faster than the cut-in speed, then the turbines begin supplying electricity to the home, reducing the need for electricity from the utility company. If you generate more power than you use, it can be fed back into the power grid - and your utility company will pay you for it!

In general, a wind turbine can lower a homeowner's electric bills by around 50% and up, depending on the exact wind power system and number of turbines used. How much a smaller wind turbine will save exactly all depends on the power usage of the home and the average wind speeds in the area, among other factors.



The efficiency of a wind power system depends entirely on the average wind speeds in your region. If you live somewhere where the wind speeds average above 10 mph, then your home is an excellent candidate for a residential wind power system ad you should be able to save a significant amount on your energy bill.

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 typical residential wind system makes less noise and does not interfere with a television's reception at all. A wind turbine is easily rigged to virtually any residence without the hassle to change any appliances or wiring. In most cases, the utility will set up a second utility meter to gauge how much excess electricity it is purchasing from the turbine owner.

Most wind turbine system dealers provide either complete ready-to-install applications or the option to buy directly from a store and let a would-be turbine owner do the installation instead. While the first option offers more customer support from the company, self-installation offers considerable savings and a technical understanding of the turbine. Soon-to-be owners can discuss the choices available with manufacturers to settle on which method best suits their financial accounts and skills.

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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