Wind Turbines For The Home

Home owners who want to get their energy from renewable sources usually have two alternatives: solar power or wind power, which in this case is often called small wind. Wind turbines for the home, with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts and less, are becoming more popular, and they can provide power for grid-tied or off-grid systems, depending on the level of wind the location is blessed with (minimum average wind speed recommended is 10 miles per hour). To maximize wind potential, the wind turbines need to be set up somewhere high, free from obstructions such as trees and buildings.

According to estimates by the American Wind Energy Association, wind turbines for the home may cut a household's electricity bill by 50 to 90 percent. The U.S. is the world leader in the production of small wind turbines and about 10,000 units had been installed by the end of 2009. The market is expected to continue growing in the near future.

A typical home will require small wind turbines of five meters (16.4 feet) from tip to tip. An American household needs on average 9,400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year (about 780 kWh per month). In order to meet this power demand, it would be necessary a wind turbine of 5 to 15 kilowatts. As a reference, officials say wind turbines for the home are recommended in cases when electricity bills are $150 per month or more. Wind turbines for the home are more suitable for larger suburban buildings with at least one acre of area.

Besides providing electricity, small wind electric systems can also be used for several other applications, including water pumping on farms and ranches. Before opting to install a small wind electric system it is necessary to check whether local zoning codes or covenants allow them. As technology continues to improve, small wind systems become more reliable, make less noise and are safer than older models. When tied in with the grid, excessive energy can be sold back to the utility, therefore they can also generate some income.