Charge By Wind Power

Is a wind power system at home worth the energy? Can you cut your costs to the utility company? Is the noise those blades make spinning in the wind, possibly knocking birds out of the sky and the arguments over zoning laws regarding the height of your turbine tower going to take more energy from you than produce?

The downside of wind power is enough to keep most people from using a wind turbine to further their goal of energy self-suffiency, or even just helping the environment while doing something good for the Earth. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a home wind system that will help you make an informed choice about what is the best system for you.

Wind power is an endless source of solar energy heating Earth’s atmosphere. This forms the jet streams circling our world. In most area it is intermittent. The wind doesn’t always blow when and where it is needed, so research is needed for your particular site to see how feasible it is.

The costs to energy companies, in kilowatt-per-hour to operate wind turbines is approximately $.06 while more traditional sources of fossil fuel can be up to $.75. It is a cleaner source of energy especially when compared to coal extraction or oil production. As you create your own power instead of relying on the power grid, your impact on the environment lessens immensely.

The danger of wind turbines to birds migrating along flyways has been proven, but there are different types of turbines that are more eco-friendly than others.

The vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have helical shaped blades that move slower than the usual style of wind turbine and the birds are able to sense them. Studies also show that the VAWT are quieter running and begin producing power at a lower wind threshold. They can also produce power at higher wind speeds and operate in urban areas, where the wind direction is omni-directional i.e., coming from multi directions due to deflection by surrounding buildings.

Do you need wind power? Wind power is one more source of energy added to solar, thermal heating and an energy audit of your home to show you where energy is being wasted. To learn more about wind power, the Internet is a good resource for information that will show you DIY alternatives and how to get started harnessing the free energy flowing around you.

Originally published here.

Help improve the environment and save money by producing your own power. DIY wind energy is easy, affordable and a rewarding family project that will add value to your home.

The consumer guide to small-scale wind electricity production!

Maybe you’re not T. Boone Pickens, but you can build your own home-sized wind-power empire right in your back yard. Wind Power For Dummies supplies all the guidance you need to install and maintain a sustainable, cost-effective wind generator to power your home for decades to come.

This authoritative, plain-English guide walks you through every step of the process, from assessing your site and available wind sources to deciding whether wind power is the solution for you, from understanding the mechanics of wind power and locating a contractor to install your system to producing your own affordable and sustainable electricity.

• Guides you step by step through process of selecting, installing, and operating a small-scale wind generator to power your home
• Demystifies system configurations, terminology, and wind energy principles to help you speak the language of the pros
• Helps assess and reduce your energy needs and decide whether wind power is right for you
• Explains the mechanics of home-based wind power
• Shows you how to tie into the grid and sell energy back to the power company
• Offers advice on evaluating all of the costs of and financing for your project
• Provides tips on working with contractors and complying with local zoning laws

Yes, you can do it, with a little help from Wind Power For Dummies.

Wind Power For Dummies