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Do you need a wind power system at home to cut your costs to the utility company? Do you need the noise those blades make spinning in the wind, possibly knocking birds out of the sky while you argue over zoning laws regarding the height of your turbine tower?
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 a seemingly limitless power source supplied by the Sun heating the atmosphere, creating the jet streams that circle Earth. 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 source of energy especially when compared to coal extraction or oil production. When you add in the factor of creating your own energy at home 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. 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? Think of it as one more tool in your box, alongside solar, thermal heating and a good energy audit of your home to show you where energy is being wasted and you are losing money. If you decide wind is for you, look to the Internet for more information that will show you DIY alternatives and how to get started harnessing the free energy flowing around you.
