I recently came across a pretty good article on http://www.riverwired.com/blog/residential-wind-power explaining some of the benefits of residential wind power and some steps to getting started.
From the article:
"... wind power will save you money—as much as 50-90 percent on your electric bill! Although wind turbines can cost from $6,000- $22,000, it’s an investment that usually pays for itself in around six to fifteen years. Once the cost of the turbine has been recouped, it's not uncommon to see electric bills of $8- $15 dollars for up to nine months of the year! In addition, wind power is good for the environment—it produces zero pollution, and every kilowatt hour that is powered by wind will offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company."
The information may not be 100% accurate, but it's a good starting point none the less. There are definitely turbines cheaper than $6,000.00, but they may not be as cost effective as the more expensive ones. The most popular turbine, the Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Turbine, is in the $12,000.00-$15,000.00 range once installation costs are factored in. Rebates and incentives reduce the purchase price significantly in some areas.
Interested in residential wind power? Considered building your own turbine?
You can get started with today with Power4Home.
2 comments:
You have nicely explained how to get started with residential wind power.
Sure has! Suppose the Skystream 3.7 is operating in more or less typical wind speeds of 5 m/s (11 mph) it produces about 250 watts.
If you say 250 watts * 8760 hours and an optimistic 30% capacity factor you get and annual output of 657 kWh.
At 20 US cents per kWh that comes to 137 USD per year - not enough incentives/subsidies around to make that smell good.
To achieve the 1200 watt output it requires a wind speed of 9.7 m/s (20 mph) which is far, far above average wind speeds in 99% of the US.
The tip speed is also high so if a turbine falls into the 'bird/bat killer' category this would be it.
I like big wind - commercial wind - at least it has a chance.
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