Small And Micro Wind Systems
Wind energy conversion is steadily proliferating as the average cost of energy increases. As more individuals are becoming environmentally aware, clean alternative energy sources that are cost-efficient are being sought at an extremely high rate. The use of small and micro wind systems is exploding exponentially as individuals and builders are discovering the many benefits of generating their own electricity with wind power generators.
Small And Micro Wind Systems For Residential
Small and micro wind systems are relatively easy to understand. Basically, a wind turbine is installed on a tall tower. This turbine converts wind energy into electricity that is compatible with a home electrical system. The wind energy is used in conjunction with power purchased from the local utility company. When wind speeds are conducive to energy production, energy is produced and stored. This energy is used for the home and the excess energy is automatically purchased by the local utility company. In situations when wind speeds are not conducive to significant amounts of energy production, wind energy is used in conjunction with purchased electricity. In some cases, wind speeds are too low to convert into electricity. In this scenario, the purchased energy is used.
New Class of Small And Micro Wind Systems
The new class of small wind turbines, dubbed micro turbines, is so small that they can be purchased for less than $1000 and carried in your hands. The debut of micro wind turbines brings the technology within reach of almost everyone. These inexpensive machines, when coupled with readily available photovoltaic panels (solar cells), have revolutionized the market of residential wind power, especially for those living in remote homes off-the-utility grid.
Consumer interest was ignited in small and micro wind system when 300-watt micro turbine was introduced in 1995. The increasing popularity of micro wind turbines has opened up new applications previously considered off-limits to wind energy, such as charging electric fences and powering remote telephone call boxes, once the sole domain of solar cells.
Growth of Small And Micro Wind Systems
The use of wind power is exploding and there are currently over 150,000 small-scale renewable energy systems in America, growing at 30% yearly. Small and micro wind systems are growing at twice that amount – over 60% per year.
Typically, small and micro wind systems can save homeowners between fifty and ninety percent of their total electric bills. Individual savings are highly dependent on local conditions. Location of turbines and wind speed are highly variable factors that contribute to the energy conversion. Homeowners in unobstructed areas with high wind speeds can even make a profit on their small and micro wind systems systems. Simply put, if the energy produced is greater than the energy used, homeowners generate a profit from the excess energy that will be bought by the local utility company.
Right Sizing Small And Micro Wind Systems
Homeowners interested in small and micro wind systems will need to do some research to determine the size of turbine needed for their specific home. In most cases, however, it is not economically justifiable for the homeowners to conduct the timely and exact wind measurements. Luckily, the US Department of Energy can provide sufficient estimates for expected wind performance. It is always advisable to consult with local authorities to ensure the rules and regulations for construction and maintenance are being met.
The long term economic benefits of small and micro wind systems production significantly counterbalance the initial investment. For the greatest savings, interested persons can choose to purchase the wind generator kits directly from the factories and assemble the systems themselves. Homeowners with a little time, patience, and knowledge will find small and micro wind systems to be cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
