Recommended: Web Site Resources For Solar Power and Wind Power
Written by Neal Babcock
Swift
This is the first quiet rooftop wind turbine that generates electricity by harnessing the power of the wind providing you a cost effective energy source for domestic, community and industrial use. Read more
LG Highlights Green Initiatives for the Mobile Industry
Written by Neal Babcock
Barcelona, Spain, February, 16, 2009 – LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today unveiled its eco-friendly mobile phone equipped with a solar panel battery cover at the Mobile World Congress 2009. This Solar-powered handset is part of the company’s aggressive green initiative, proving LG’s commitment to creating a healthier environment for everyone. Read more
Irish Firm Produces World’s Most Efficient Solar Panel
Written by Neal Babcock
Co. Mayo, Ireland — Thursday, 5 February 2009 – An Irish company today launched the most efficient solar panel ever produced.
Surface Power in County Mayo says it plans to create 20 new jobs over the next 12 months with the launch and international distribution of its breakthrough product. Read more
Rooftop Wind Power
Written by Neal Babcock
Homeowners could cut 20% off their electricity bills with a new wind turbine that can be mounted directly on a building. The seven-foot-wide plastic turbine has a ring around its rotors that diffuses noise and limits vibration; the company claims that the turbine is no louder than a whisper. In windy locations, its power output should be about 2,000 kilowatt-hours a year. Read more
Wind Turbine And Wind Generator FAQs
Written by Neal Babcock
How Does A Wind Turbine Work?
A wind turbine, which is usually installed at the top of a tower, collects energy from the wind and converts it to electricity.
In other words, the wind spins the propeller which is attached to a generator. As the generator spins, it produces electricity. Depending on the generator, the electricity that is produced may or may not be compatible with your existing 120 V AC system. Many times, especially with homemade units, the generator will produce 12 VDC.
In a typical residential application, the home will use power from the wind turbine and the local utility at the same time. If the wind is blowing above what is known as “cut-in” speed, then the generator is spinning fast enough to produce electricity for the home.
If the wind is not blowing fast enough to turn the propeller, then all of the homes electrical needs are supplied by the utility company.
Typically, this is done automatically. You don’t have to run out and flip a switch when the wind starts to blow or when it stops to blow.
At the current prices of wind generators, it would be difficult to economically justify purchasing a wind generator that supplies 100% of the homes needs, even if the wind is blowing hard.
What Is The Cost Savings?
A wind turbine can lower your electrical bill buy as much as 90%. However in reality, savings of 30% or more realistic. It depends on the part of the country in which you live, much like solar power.
Look at the climate in your area regarding the average wind speed. You can get a pretty good idea of how cost-effective your wind turbine will be, based on this data.
What Size Turbine Is Best For My Needs?
The average home uses approximately 9000 kWh for electricity every year. That works out to about 760 kWh per month. Again, depending on the average wind speed in your area, a turbine rated in the range of 6-12 kW would be required to make a decent contribution to meet this demand.
Should I Consider Buying A Wind Turbine?
This certainly depends on where you are.
Some residential wind turbines can be pretty large and may not be suitable for urban or suburban homes. You may have HOA considerations.
However, as turbines become smaller and more effective, there may be a viable solution available for your home.
How Will Wind Turbines Help The Environment?
Wind turbines produce very little pollution and by using wind power you can offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company. Over the life of a wind turbine, a small residential unit can offset approximately 1.1 tons of air pollutants.
Don’t I Have To Take Wind Measurements For A Year?
For most residential systems the cost of taking wind measurements is not justified. Wind resource data published by the U.S. Department of Energy is sufficient for an experienced evaluator to predict wind turbine performance. In very hilly or mountainous areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your site is not in a sheltered area.
Will My Utility Allow Me To Hook Up A Wind Generator?
Current federal regulations require utilities to connect with and purchased power from small, that is less than 80 MW, wind energy systems.
Of course, the best way to find out the answer to this question is to simply call your utility company.
Will I Have To Change The Wiring In My House?
You won’t have to change any of the existing wiring, but you might want to add an extra breaker panel as part of the wind turbine system.
Do I Have To Install A Tower?
Usually, an 80 foot or higher tower is supplied with commercial wind turbines However, the choice is yours. The higher the better.
How Much Does A Wind Generator System Cost?
Commercial wind turbines can cost anywhere from $5000-$20,000 depending on the size, application and service agreements that may have been made with the manufacturer.
How Much Maintenance Is Required For A Wind Turbine?
Most wind turbines have very few moving parts and do not require any regular maintenance, as they are designed for a life span of up to 20 years.
Is A Wind Turbine A Good Investment?
Most commercial wind systems will read who their investments through utility savings within eight years. This varies on local conditions, the cost of local electricity and the initial price of the wind turbine.
