Posts tagged Wind

I am fascinated with the idea of using a wind turbine to provide power for my home. I like the cost saving part, but also the idea that I could be helping the environment too.

I’ve looked on the web and done a ton of reading and so far, it seems that that the only inexpensive way to install a wind turbine is going to cost a lot of money and I’d still have to build/install it myself and pray that I got it right. (Actually, I did read my local building codes and incentives and the local power company will come out and inspect it before you hook it up to the home and to the grid.)

I want to use one of those spiral turbines, as I think they are less obtrusive in a neighborhood setting and hopefully, I could install more than one if needed/desired since they are a trim design.

We tend to get heavy hard winds in the summer and I think I could rack up some free energy and possibly even sell back extra power to the local company too during these heavy windy periods we have.

I’ve seen free plans on the web to build them and honestly, they state they are simple and easy, but I do not find them the least bit user friendly. I am above average intelligence, but I am no mechanical engineer!

Does anyone have any advice or tips on using/install wind turbines for home use?

Any recommendations on getting it cheaper? I am seriously thinking of trying to make a business out of designing kits or something similar that an average homeowner could manage to install for as cheap as possible.

Thanks ya’ll!
I recall seeing a DIY program where a lady had a spiral wind turbine mounted on the deck of her condo. The show was not about it, but they did mention it. It appeared to be about 12 feet tall and maybe 14 inches in diameter… it was tucked in a corner away from most obstructions. When I have googles wind turbines, I still see the tradition fan blade types – I think they are too rustic for my neighborhood – the spiral one I saw on this show was much less of an eyesore.

I know that doing a wind survey would be a good idea, but if it doesn’t get wind all the time, and i’m still committed to it, does it matter if I do or do not produce wind all the time. In times of our wind storms, could I produce TOO much?
When I have looked on my local power company codes, it’s pretty basic – no specifics on how much or tiny is required. My belief that even a tiny wind energy would be good – that is IF the price was right.
I am also checking out solar panels too as an option, but they seem very costly and because of my roofs sun exposure, it’s not best – so I am not sure i should think about it – but I am not sure wind is 100% the right way to go either.

Any ideas/comparisions/considerations between the two?

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