Advantages of Wind Energy

Many of us today are considering alternative energy sources to either supplement or replace our electric company completely. While there are many who would benefit from solar or hydroelectric energy, there are people who would benefit more from the advantages of wind energy.

Turbines - Horizontal or Vertical

To generate energy using the power of the wind, turbines are mounted on towers. There are two different kinds of wind turbines and the one you need depends on your location.

Some areas have winds that blow in generally the same direction all the time. For these people, horizontal turbines would be fine. Horizontal turbines have to be pointed into the wind, and must be upwind from the tower to minimize turbulence. Vertical turbines can be mounted in any direction because they move with the wind. This makes them good for use in areas with highly variable winds.

Excess Energy Benefits

The advantages of wind energy for homeowners are endless. If you’re connected to the power grid, it can be a great supplemental power source, helping to reduce or eliminate your monthly electric bill. Some people may even generate excess power that they can then sell back to the power company for a credit on their bill.

If you’re not connected to a power grid, you have to find alternative sources of energy anyway and wind power is a great choice. The cost to extend power lines from the grid to your home can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $50,000, making wind turbines less expensive in some cases. There are tax credits available from the government for those that install their turbines before 2016 of up to 30% that can save you money on installation costs.

Clean Air

There are also advantages of wind energy when it comes to the environment and your family’s health. Wind energy does not require burning anything. It causes no pollution aside from the minimal amount caused in manufacturing the turbine. That means cleaner air for you and your family.

If you’re thinking of using wind energy in your home, you should know a few things. While wind is a great natural resource, it is not viable for everyone. You need to be sure your area receives the amount of wind necessary to generate electricity. Currently, small wind turbines require wind speeds of 7-10 mph in order to be efficient, but with technological advances, we may see turbines that can harvest the wind much more efficiently and expand the advantages of wind energy.

Another thing to understand before you install your energy source is that you will not see savings immediately. Sure, you may not be paying a huge electric bill but it could be some time before you pay off the turbines. The length of time depends on your particular system, the area you live in, and the cost of electricity in your area.

Before there were government subsidized electric companies, farmers in the Midwest used wind turbines as their only source of power. They switched over to the public electric companies in the 70’s but today many are starting to rediscover the advantages of wind energy. It’s better for the environment, better for your wallet, and better for your family’s health.

To leave Advantages of Wind Energy and return to Wind Energy, click here.