Wind Power


Residential Wind Power Generators

Residential Wind Power

The U.S. DoE estimates that over 15 million american homes are situated in a suitable location to utilise a residential wind power generator which could save a considerable amount on their utility bills or even eliminate them completely. Wind power generators could potentially supply 20% of U.S. electricity requirements by 2030, according to a new DOE report and residential wind power generation projects can make a significant contribution. The report, titled "20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy's Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply," identifies steps required to meet the 20% goal, including reducing the cost of wind technologies, extending the transmission infrastructure and enhancing residential wind power generator capability.

Some homeowners may even qualify for state or federal tax credits to assist with the cost of installing a residential wind power system. President Barack Obama is known to place environmental issues high on his agenda we really need to watch this space to see if what new incentives for installing solar or residential wind power generators could be introduced during his term of office.

With the unpredicatable nature of wind, homes will always need to use more conventional power sources, such as mains electricty or maybe a backup generator, but using wind power generators can still save considerable costs when averaged out over the year. Residential wind power generator models are available that can vary the power drawn from the backup supply and even supply power back into the grid, allowing you to take full advantage of the power from the wind when it is available whilst ensuring that your supply remains constant. The old saying about making hay while the sun shines should be adapted for wind as "generate power when the wind blows".

Before installating a residential wind power generator, one of the key questions that must be addressed is "is my area suitable?" Wind turbines currently require an average wind speed of 9 MPH, which obviously will not be available everywhere. There are government produced wind maps of the US available; be sure to check these to gain an idea of what your area is like. The higher the average wind speed, the more power you will be able to generate using a wind powered generator. The average American home will use around 800kWh (kilowatt-hours) per month, which will require a wind power generator with an output between 10-15kW (kilowatts) depending on wind reliability and speed in your area.

All wind power generators work by harnessing the power of the wind to drive a turbine based generator which causes a magnetic coil to move. This induces a current, which converts the wind energy into electrical power. The electrical output is then modified to a format compatible with the domestic mains power system and connected in by qualified professional installer to comply with any local regulations. Wind power generators are quite large devices, which means they are unsuitable for most urban or suburban homes. A property with an acre or more of land is recommended. Whilst many people could install a residential wind powered generator, the return on investment will be determined by many factors such as local cost of electricity in your area, the average wind speed and the ability to sell power back into the local mains grid together with any local tax credits or environmental subsidies that may be available.