It's nothing new to use natural resources to produce the energy we need. A few examples of this are hydroelectric power, solar power, and steam power. With increased concerns of global warming, however, everyone is looking for sources of truly clean energy. Wind power is under close scrutiny for this very reason. The power of the wind has been harnessed for many decades by the use of windmills. In modern days you will find wind harnessed by wind turbines in large-scale wind farms.
But can the individual homeowner get in on this trend? Whether or not a wind turbine is right for you depends on your circumstances. Like solar power, wind turbines are easier to implement on a large scale than a smaller, residential scale. It took may years of research and development to make solar panels realistic for homeowners. Wind turbines are on the same path of development.
So how do you know if it's right for you? First, it's good to get a basic understanding of how this technology works. A windmill and a wind turbine work on the same principal, but are slightly different in the end. The blades of a windmill turn a shaft that operates something directly, typically a water pump. A wind turbine, on the other hand, converts that wind energy into electrical energy. The wind turns the blades, which turn a shaft, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The electricity can then be used for various applications. In concept it's really just a wind-powered generator.
There are definitely advantages to using a wind turbine. You get very clean energy from an endlessly renewable resource. This is not only great for the environment, but it means you will have no power bills and could live off the grid! Plus, you may be able to sell excess energy back to the power company and make some money!
There are some considerable challenges to face, however. The availability of good-quality residential wind turbines is limited. Only a few companies sell them. You will need to make sure any power you want to sell back to the electric company can be accepted by them. There may be zoning restrictions.
In addition, you need to research local wind charts to be sure you have enough, consistent wind in your area to produce the amount of energy you need. There are also requirements on how much land you need and how high the tower has to be in order to avoid interference in the wind patterns. This is why wind turbines in highly populated areas are unlikely at this time. There are also some who object to the noise and vibrations wind turbines can cause.
The fact of it is, though, if you really want to use wind energy for your home, it is possible. If you meet the necessary requirements and do your research, it really could turn out to be a viable option for you. When you consider all the clean, free energy you will produce, the investment in time and capital will give you great returns down the line.
If you are not quite ready to put in this kind of work, just wait awhile. There are such strong governmental incentives to develop technologies to support clean energy, the wind turbine for residential use may just get the attention it deserves. Already they are working on designs that are more powerful, efficient, and quieter. Soon you may see wind turbines powering homes just the way you now see solar power being used!
So keep checking out what's available and reevaluating your options. Converting to clean energy will help the planet, and that will ultimately be best for all of us. Considering a wind turbine may turn out to be an important investment in your home and in the future. - 32387
But can the individual homeowner get in on this trend? Whether or not a wind turbine is right for you depends on your circumstances. Like solar power, wind turbines are easier to implement on a large scale than a smaller, residential scale. It took may years of research and development to make solar panels realistic for homeowners. Wind turbines are on the same path of development.
So how do you know if it's right for you? First, it's good to get a basic understanding of how this technology works. A windmill and a wind turbine work on the same principal, but are slightly different in the end. The blades of a windmill turn a shaft that operates something directly, typically a water pump. A wind turbine, on the other hand, converts that wind energy into electrical energy. The wind turns the blades, which turn a shaft, which is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The electricity can then be used for various applications. In concept it's really just a wind-powered generator.
There are definitely advantages to using a wind turbine. You get very clean energy from an endlessly renewable resource. This is not only great for the environment, but it means you will have no power bills and could live off the grid! Plus, you may be able to sell excess energy back to the power company and make some money!
There are some considerable challenges to face, however. The availability of good-quality residential wind turbines is limited. Only a few companies sell them. You will need to make sure any power you want to sell back to the electric company can be accepted by them. There may be zoning restrictions.
In addition, you need to research local wind charts to be sure you have enough, consistent wind in your area to produce the amount of energy you need. There are also requirements on how much land you need and how high the tower has to be in order to avoid interference in the wind patterns. This is why wind turbines in highly populated areas are unlikely at this time. There are also some who object to the noise and vibrations wind turbines can cause.
The fact of it is, though, if you really want to use wind energy for your home, it is possible. If you meet the necessary requirements and do your research, it really could turn out to be a viable option for you. When you consider all the clean, free energy you will produce, the investment in time and capital will give you great returns down the line.
If you are not quite ready to put in this kind of work, just wait awhile. There are such strong governmental incentives to develop technologies to support clean energy, the wind turbine for residential use may just get the attention it deserves. Already they are working on designs that are more powerful, efficient, and quieter. Soon you may see wind turbines powering homes just the way you now see solar power being used!
So keep checking out what's available and reevaluating your options. Converting to clean energy will help the planet, and that will ultimately be best for all of us. Considering a wind turbine may turn out to be an important investment in your home and in the future. - 32387
About the Author:
One technology seeing resurgence is the use of wind power in the shape of a wind turbine. It has been used for many decades in windmills, and more recently you'll find wind turbines being used together in large-scale on wind farms.
