The Advantages and Disadvantages Of Residential Wind Turbines

One of the great things about wind power is that it is a renewable energy source. With a wind turbine, you can tap into that energy to use in your own home. Unlike traditional Dutch windmills, today’s turbines are streamlined and modern in terms of their style. You can read below and learn more and this guide will also help you.

Common Types of Wind Turbines For Residential Use

Residential wind turbines come in two basic styles. These include freestanding wind turbines that are mounted on poles and turbines that are mounted on the roof.

There is a lot of variety in terms of the overall size and shape of these turbines, as well. Some smaller models are only capable of generating approximately 100 W, which is just enough to charge up a battery. Larger models, on the other hand, can power an entire home since they are capable of producing between 0.6 and 50 kW.

Are You A Good Candidate for A Wind Turbine?

There is no easy answer when it comes to determining whether or not wind power is the right choice for your home. A lot depends on where your house is located and the style of turbine that you are interested in. Your current energy set up also comes into play.

Before investing in a wind turbine, it is important to do thorough research. As you weigh your options, consider the pros and cons of wind turbines to determine if they are a good fit for your situation.

Understanding How Wind Turbines Work

Three basic components go into a typical wind turbine. These include the generator, the pole, and the blades. With a standard turbine, a pole is set in the ground or mounted on a roof. Attached at the top of the pole is a propeller-shaped series of blades. The wind causes these blades to rotate, producing energy. This energy is transferred to the generator where it is converted into usable electricity. Any excess energy that is generated by the wind turbine can be directed back to the power grid.

For a long time now, many European countries have harnessed the power of the wind. Countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Denmark are leaders in wind power generation. India and China also use a lot of wind energy. Although there is still a lot of work to do in the US before it catches up with these other countries, wind energy is becoming more popular. This spike in popularity has led to a gradual decrease in the cost of installing a turbine.

Advantages

• Turbines create clean energy without producing any emissions that could cause damage to the environment.
• Capturing power from the wind is free and qualifies as a renewable resource.
• The total cost of purchasing and installing a wind turbine can usually be recouped over a period of several years.
• If you create more power than you use, you can sell the excess to your local energy company.
• You may qualify for tax incentives at the local or national level

Disadvantages

• There are a lot of initial costs associated with installing a wind turbine.
• Turbines require a lot of land.
• Turbines require wind to generate power. If you live in an area that doesn’t get enough wind, it may not be a good choice for your situation.
• Some areas have restrictions in place regarding the use of turbines in residential neighborhoods. Check with your local building department.
• Your neighbors may not like the way that your turbine looks and may be offended by the noise that it makes.
• In terms of efficiency, turbines usually operate at approximately 30% capacity. Although this seems low, it is still higher than solar panels, which typically operate at just 15% capacity.
• Turbine blades can sometimes injure or kill birds.
• Lightning can cause damage to wind turbines.

At first glance, it might seem like the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. When you consider that wind energy is far more environmentally-friendly than traditional energy sources, however, it is easy to see that it is worthwhile. As long as you can afford to install a wind turbine and you live in an area that gets enough wind, the power generated by the turbine can save you a lot of money while at the same time reducing your carbon footprint.

Alternative Ways To Produce Your Own Power

If you are interested in generating your own energy, wind power is a great option. There are other choices, as well. However, as you should understand from the above – a turbine can be a great addition.