Home wind turbines are fantastic alternatives for making electricity. Generally, this technology consists of turbine propellers, a rotor, and a generator. The working principle of the turbines involves wind spinning the propellers around the rotor to produce an aerodynamic force that rotates the generator to create electricity.
In short, it’s an incredible innovation that poses as an electricity electricity source, but the question is: are home wind turbines worth the investment? In this article, readers will learn more about this technology, its benefits, and its cost.
Table of Contents
What is a home wind turbine?
Is a home wind turbine the best option?
What is the best wind turbine for home use?
The benefits of using home wind turbines
How do home wind turbines work?
How much do home wind turbines cost?
Rounding up
What is a home wind turbine?
A home wind turbine is a smaller version of regular turbines often seen on the highway. It converts the wind’s kinetic energy into clean electrical energy.
Home wind turbines have more condensed blades, unlike commercial turbines, whose blades can create a diameter of 130 feet.
The uniquely shaped blades work like an airplane wing. So, as air blows and passes both sides of the blade, it causes an imbalance in wind pressure, which triggers the blade to rotate.
Is a home wind turbine the best option?
As the world is gradually moving toward green energy, wind turbine poses an eco-friendly option that could double as backup or a major energy source.
And consumers with installed residential solar photovoltaic systems can consider adding a small wind turbine.
Home wind turbines are ideal for homes, farms, or communities far from utility lines. But it’s crucial to consider the following factors before making a decision:
– Living in an area with an average annual wind speed of 4.0 meters per second.
– Having a goal of replacing grid connection.
– An interest in gaining energy independence from the utility.
– To reduce the environmental impact of electricity production.
What is the best wind turbine for home use?
It’s crucial to note that not every property or house meets the required ethics for wind-powered energy. So, homeowners in areas with suitable wind conditions can harness wind power as a partial or backup energy source.
There are two types of home wind turbines, and each has factors that make them best for homes.
Roof-top home wind turbines
These are small panels similar to solar panels and are usually installed on rooftops. They are less expensive to install than stand-alone turbines. Further, they generate less power ranging from 1 to 2 kW.
Stand-alone home wind turbines
This turbine variant generates more power than roof-top home wind turbines if installed correctly. They work best in a large open place such as a hilltop or a large field without obstructions that can slow down the wind. Also, this turbine is more expensive than the roof-top home wind turbine.
The benefits of using home wind turbines
Home wind turbines lower our dependence on fossil fuels and don’t emit greenhouse gases. Also, they offer an uninterrupted power source.
Asides from being a budget-friendly option, it can be used to pump water for irrigation purposes which is helpful in ranches and farms.
Since this turbine produces zero pollutants and emissions, it reduces electricity bills by 50 to 90%.
The economics of home wind turbines
A home wind energy system can be an excellent long-term investment. Therefore, homeowners need to decide whether buying a wind system is smart, considering how interest and electricity rates vary.
It is advisable to conduct a thorough analysis or seek the advice of a financial advisor before investing in a wind energy system, as the successful setup of a home wind turbine requires specific planning and maintenance.
How do home wind turbines work?
Step 1: The passage of wind through the turbine’s blades pressures them to spin.
Step 2: The spinning blades cause a shaft at the top of the turbine to turn.
Step 3: A generator that produces electricity gets powered by the spinning shaft.
Step 4: An inverter converts the electricity to adequate voltage.
Step 5: Electricity is ready for use or exportation to the power grid.
Step 6: Excess electricity will go to the batteries in an off-grid setup.
How much do home wind turbines cost?
Various factors determine the cost of a home wind turbine, like location, kilowatt capacity, size, permitting, installation, and zoning. But, depending on the bulk order, a 100W, 200W, 300W, and 400W wind horizontal turbine can cost around $75 to $85.
The prices of 600W, 800W, 1000W, and 1200W vary depending on the order quantity. For instance, this 1000W wind power turbine costs around $260 – $300/unit.
Currently, according to the market trend, small vertical axis wind turbines of 300w-1200w are very popular among European buyers.
In truth, if a homeowner determines his energy goals and conditions specific to his home, it’ll reduce the cost. The upfront installation cost of a home wind turbine might be significant. But, the investment pays off in a few years with low maintenance costs.
Also, government financial incentives are available as investment tax credits.
Rounding up
When a homeowner understands all the necessary considerations before using a wind turbine, it will be easy to determine whether a home wind turbine is worth the investment.
This article covers the significant home wind turbine considerations to ensure buyers and investors have deeper insights before choosing a wind turbine for their home. Also, feel free to check out other renewable energy and their sources.
