Residential Wind Turbines

The use of residential wind power in the United States increased 32 percent on an annual basis from 2004 to 2008. However, in 2008 alone, wind energy made an impressive jump of 78 percent. More homeowners are considering using residential wind turbines to cut electrical costs, to help the environment, and to further the cause of energy independence. 

After a lifetime of living with and using electricity without giving a thought to how it's generated, most people don't have a clue where to start in learning about and considering the implementation of a home wind system. Here are a dozen facts about residential wind turbines to help jump-start the process: 

1. "Ideal" wind conditions for a residential wind turbine are steady winds of 10 mph or more annually. 

2. Turbines require unobstructed space approximately 250 feet from adjacent structures and obstacles (like tree lines) to minimize turbulence, which will affect the unit's efficiency. Roughly one acre of free land is needed. 

3. The most effective turbines are placed on towers 85 to 150 feet above the ground. 

4. Tower-mounted turbines have the potential to reduce a home's electrical bill by 50% to 90%. 

5. Roof-mounted turbines are generally much less efficient and will lower power bills by only 10%. 

6. The vast majority of residential wind turbines are grid-tied systems connected to the local power utility. During periods when the turbine is not producing electricity, power is still purchased from the company. 

7. By law, power utilities are required to purchase excess energy from the owners of residential wind turbines via a method called net metering. 

8. Net metering is accomplished either through the installation of a smart meter or a second meter altogether. In the most simple terms, power produced is subtracted from power used for billing purposes. 

9. In some areas with good wind resources, homeowners actually make money from their turbines because at the end of the month the power company owes them money. 

10. Wind turbine "kits" are available online in a range of $500 to $5,000, but these units are not powerful enough to make a real difference in a home's energy consumption. They are suitable, however, for power needs at remote locations or during emergencies. 

11. Residential wind turbines installed by professional companies have an opening price in the range of $20,000. 

12. Under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, owners of small wind turbines for residential, farm, or business use with a capacity of 100 kW or less can qualify for an uncapped investment tax credit of 30% on the installation of the equipment through December 31, 2016. 

Wind energy can be a valuable addition to any home, creating clean, renewable energy while lowering electrical bills and making a "green" contribution to the environment. Any homeowner interested in installing a residential wind turbine should first seek a wind assessment for the property and then investigate local zoning ordinance and homeowners association covenants. A home wind system is a big investment on par with any major home renovation or addition, but when all the conditions are right, it's an investment with real, long-term benefits.