Why 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?
These negative points are 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 planet. 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, in kilowatt-per-hour to produce wind power is approximately $.06 while more traditional sources of fossil fuel can be up to $.75. It is a cleaner energy compared to coal plants and 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 Savonos-style vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have blades that are larger than the traditional horizontal axis system, allowing the birds to see the slower moving, helix shaped blades. Studies also show that the VAWT are quieter running and begin producing power at a lower wind threshold. These Savonos style turbines produce power when other systems shut down because of high winds and work around buildings in omnidirectional winds 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.
About the Author
A wind power system is less expensive and easier to install than most people realize. Learn about the benefits and resources available at http://homewindenergysolutions.com
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