Many people these days are investing in renewable energy, both to save energy costs and help the environment. One way households can make a wind energy investment is by installing a residential wind turbine. There are a number of factors to consider before influential if wind energy is right for your property.
Good Wind Resources
An efficient wind turbine system needs wind speeds of 10 mph or greater. The best area on your property to catch high wind speeds will be on high ground without obstructions like buildings or tall trees nearby. In order to resolve if your property has the steady wind speed to generate enough electricity for your home, use a wind map of your state or have a wind assessment conducted on your property.
Minimum of One Acre of Land
The ideal properties for wind turbines are at least an acre in size. Wind turbines need space for installation, and must be kept at least 250 feet from property lines. Generally, tower mounted turbines will be 80-150 feet tall and require guide wires for stabilization. The tower mounted style of turbine isn't the only option for residential wind power, but it's the more efficient option, reducing your utility bill 50-90% compared to a roof mounted turbine, which only reduces costs by 10%.
Favorable Zoning Laws
Tall structures like wind turbines are under zoning laws, and will need a permit to install. Since the technology is fairly new, state and local agencies may be facing such a permit request for the first time, and could need more information on the turbine. In addition, neighbors may view the vision of a wind turbine inauspiciously, and homeowners associations may not allow turbine installation at first.
Discussing the wind turbine in detail with neighbors, HOA boards, and zoning agencies could be a major portion of the turbine installation process. It's important for those who'll be seeing and potentially hearing your turbine to be on board with the investment.
Expensive Electric Bills
A wind turbine system will have a high upfront cost, and over the years as your utility bill gets smaller and smaller, the initial costs are paid off in monthly savings. In order to receive a good return on investment from your wind energy system, you should be paying 10 cents/kWh or more for electricity. In 2010, electricity costs averaged 12 cents/kWh nationwide.
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