Wind Electricity for Homes - Is it Realistic?

Many people are exploring alternatives to traditional energy sources. The concern for our environment as well as the high cost of fossil fuels is spurring this effort. But is the use of alternative energy sources really an option for an individual. Specifically, are wind turbines for the home a realistic and cost effective purchase?

Making your home more energy efficient should come first before any alternative energy source. Making a home more energy efficient is much less costly than switching energy sources. That being said, using a renewable resource to power a home with virtually no impact to the environment, benefits all of us in the long run.

Whether purchasing, or building, a wind turbine, or windmill, for your home is a good choice depends on a number of factors, the chief one being your geographic location. Typically, if you live in an area where average wind speeds are 10 mph or more, you can use wind as an alternative energy source. You can easily find wind maps on the internet that will show you the average wind speed in your area. In the US for instance, wind speeds are higher in the midwest and along coast lines. Wind speeds in the southeast won't typically support electricity generation by wind with the exception of some areas in the mountains and along the coast.

Wind resources in an area can vary significantly due to terrain and elevation. Another source of information is your local airport. Be sure to ask at what altitude measurements are taken. In general wind speeds will increase with elevation. You might consider building a tower that is at a higher elevation than where your local airport takes its measurements. Also, check with the Federal Aviation Administration to find out whether or not you need to apply for a permit. If you are near the flight path of a nearby airport additional precautions may need to be taken.

You also want to consider tax refund or rebate programs, grants, and personal or property tax advantages. Many states offer tax breaks for alternative energy efforts, as well as net-metering and buy down programs.  You should also investigate any zoning restrictions in your area. Height, safety and aesthetics may be an issue. You also will likely have to have a building permit. Check with your local building inspector or a local green builder for guidance in these areas. Dealing with some of these issues, you could pave the way for others interested in alternative energy in your area.

The typical home uses approximately 800 - 2000 kWh (kiloWatt hours) of energy per month. This can be supplied by a 4 - 10 kWh system. The higher the kWh for the system the higher the initial investment, but the faster the return on investment. You want to make sure that your wind turbine will rise above any current or future constructions that could block the wind. In general, you want your turbine to be approximately 10 feet above any obstacle within about 300 feet.

Given the right conditions, a wind energy system can supply a surplus that can then be sold to the electric company. You may be required to enter into a contract arrangement with the electric company. There may be compatibility issues that have to be worked out to ensure the safety of residents and utility workers. Again standards and policies will vary from state to state. If you choose to do-it-yourself, I would recommend working closely with a local certified electrician to ensure compatibility and to make negotiations go more smoothly. 

Wind energy can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Although it may take quite a bit of initial effort, the advantage to the environment is clear. And a well constructed wind turbine for the home can provide savings well into the future for a family.

Additional information for residents of the United States can be found at the following sites:
http://www.irecusa.org (Interstate Renewable Energy Council)
http://www.dsireusa.org (Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy)
http://www.rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/ (Wind Resource Atlas of the

United States)