Wind Power Options

The only option really available to you when it comes to home wind power is a wind turbine. Wind turbines are a very efficient way of generating home electricity; however, not all locations and regions are windy enough to justify wind turbines. Consider these factors before buying a wind turbine:

1. Region. Not all regions are created equal, and your location will determine whether home wind energy is an option for you. Measure the average wind speed at the potential location of your wind turbine. You can do this by purchasing a home weather station with an anemometer (wind meter) and wind direction indicator; these are available at most hardware stores. In general, your potential wind turbine site should average at least 11 miles per hour of wind speed per day to make it a cost effective wind turbine site.
2. On Grid vs Off Grid. Most wind turbines in use today are for powering homes built off the existing electrical power grid. These homes usually use a battery system to store wind-generated energy and a converter to convert direct current (”DC”) battery power to alternating current (”AC”) to power home appliances and lights. If you want to install a wind turbine and your home is on the power grid, contact your utility company to see if they will rebate you for the extra power your wind turbine puts on the grid.
3. Location. The higher your wind turbine, the better average wind speed you are going to have. You can achieve a higher altitude for your wind turbine by using a combination of buildings and topography.  Use hills and outcroppings coupled with a tower for your wind turbine to maximize altitude. In flat areas, your best bet is either to use your home or another structure to give your turbine height. Also locate your wind turbine at least 100 feet away from any obstructions, like trees or buildings (unless you are locating your turbine on top of your home), since these will cause wind turbulence and reduce the efficiency of your wind turbine.
4. Rebates and incentives. If your wind turbine is on the power grid, you may be eligible to save money from extra energy it puts back onto the grid. You may also be able to get tax rebates or breaks in some areas. Check out a complete list of tax incentives or contact your local utility company.
5. Home energy efficiency. To make the most out of your investment, maximize your home energy efficiency so that you need little or no additional power apart from your wind turbine. Check out the Save Money with Easy Energy Conservation post for more tips on how to increase home energy efficiency.

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