Residential Wind Generators, Are they right for me?

Residential wind generators are becoming more accessible to a greater number of people than ever before. More people want to know, are they right for me?

There are many things to take into consideration when reviewing wind power, the first being the availability of wind in your area.

Once you know if your average wind speed is favorable, the next step is to see if wind power generators are allowed under your zoning. You may need a building permit.

If you have neighbors close by you may want to talk to them about the aspect of a home wind power generator in the neighborhood. Some may be thrilled to see a proactive approach to green power. Others may have concerns about residential wind generators that need to be addressed.

The average wind speed in your area is a good starting point but there are many other variables that will affect the performance of a home wind power generator.

The topography of your location greatly affects your wind availability. Even in a high average wind speed area, if you live in a valley or on the lee ward side of a bluff your wind power generators performance will be disappointing.  

On the other hand someone in an area of low average wind speed could do quite well with residential wind generators if they are on a hilltop or the windblown side of a bluff or ridge. Some light wind residential wind generators claim startup speeds as low as four MPH.

The average wind speed in an area can vary greatly through the seasons. At our location in northwestern Illinois, our average wind speed in summer is class 2. In winter when all the crops are harvested and the leaves are off the trees we often reach class 4. Light wind residential wind generators should do quite well in our area.                     

Because of all the variables involved, and the expense of the installation, site surveys are required to more accurately assess the capabilities for residential wind generators at a given site. This is the only way to accurately gauge the size of wind power generators needed.

Under unfavorable conditions a residential wind generator may still produce power, but the return on investment will take much longer. Under such circumstances a smaller less expensive home wind power generator may be the best option.  

The entry point for a home wind power generator has become quite reasonable. There are now small light wind residential wind generators that can be purchased for three to four hundred dollars.

For larger wind power generators half the cost of installation can be the tower. The advantage of small wind power generators is the ability to be mounted on existing structures such as roof tops. Also in many cases no special equipment other than a ladder are required to install.

Many home owners are capable of making the home wind power generator installation themselves. The amount of energy each individual can produce may only be a portion of their needs, but because of the low cost and ease of installment more people can own a home wind power generator.

State and Federal rebate and tax incentives can reduce the equipment and labor costs of an installation as much as 30%. This is a very good stimulus to get people involved residential wind generators.

Because more people can become involved, the impact of small residential wind generators could be significant.

Most return on investment schedules are based on current energy costs. Because energy costs are likely to rise annually the actual return on investment from residential wind generators may be much sooner than predicted.

To find federal and state tax and rebate programs for residential wind generators visit http://dsireusa.org/

 The American Wind Energy Association is an outstanding resource that can help you find the average wind speed for your geographic location. They also have a wealth of information about small residential wind generators. You can access their website at http://awea.org/ .