Wind Energy Pros and Cons

Wind energy pros and cons will outline the best features of wind energy and the challenges of this technology. Wind power has been widely discussed as an alternative means of generating electricity in America. Although it is a popular idea in some areas, having a broad understanding of this technology will be helpful before installing any turbines or converting any old energy system into wind.

Clean Energy

Wind energy is cleaner, quieter, and more highly renewable than traditional burning of fossil fuels. Besides these benefits, people in some places may be able to produce their own power, cutting out or at least reducing their electric bills. There is also the advantage of cheaper materials that cause less pollution in the production process.

Creating wind energy does not cause any pollution. Once the system is properly installed, those using wind energy are generating absolutely no pollution. Wind energy is virtually silent which means that it does not disturb the neighbors or any local wildlife, this is particularly relevant for turbines for homeowners and small business. Wind farms, particularly those using older turbines have noise issues and can be hazardous to wildlife.

The materials used to create wind energy also cause less pollution in the manufacturing process. Companies are developing new technologies all the time to make a cleaner, more cost effective product.

Challenges of Turbines

Wind energy is not all good, however. There are some drawbacks to this method including the danger to local birds, the undesirable appearance that can be caused by the turbines, and the fact that it is not always windy.

For homeowners, a challenge of determining accurate wind speed is significant. While wind maps exist, they were developed for the large wind industry. For small wind, the wind industry that focuses on homeowners, these wind maps are not reliable. An accurate way to determine the wind speed above your home is with an anemometer.

Birds who try to fly between the blades of the turbines at large wind farms are at risk of getting hit by them, sometimes resulting in death. Although this is a potential problem, there are ways to reduce the danger. Enclosing the blades inside a cage that the birds cannot fly through is one option. For homeownwers, this is not an issue because the towers are much shorter and generally not in migratory paths.

There is also the consideration that the pollution caused by current methods of energy production is causing problems for the birds as well. In all, this is a minimal drawback with solutions that can help to decrease the risk.

Some turbines are unsightly. Some people may have issues with the appearance that they cause, especially when they are tall or there are many of them. This is purely an aesthetic problem and not one that would cause any problems other than complaints from neighbors.

Wind can be an unpredictable resource. In some places, there is almost no wind, making wind energy production unwise to attempt. In other places, there is wind only during certain parts of the year while other times are calm. This makes wind an unwise choice for a primary source of power, however as a supplement to your other system it is fine.

With tall turbines, there is also the chance of lightning striking. This can damage the turbine making it unusable. However, this chance is slim in many places while in others it can be greater.

There are many considerations to look at before deciding on wind power. However, as a supplemental energy source, there is great potential and with the technological advances that are increasing productivity and efficiency and providing a host of options for both homeowners and businesses an energy source worth exploring.

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