Alternative residential green energy sources are becoming increasingly popular. Recently there has been much litigation between homeowners and neighborhood associations over installing either residential wind turbines or solar PV (PhotoVoltaic) energy panels.
With the recent hubbub about utility companies using wind power generators in the form of wind turbine farms, many homeowners are wondering about the opportunity to to install their own. Following are some considerations.
Will a Small Turbine Save Money on Utility Bills?
Yes! Although it varies on a case-by-case basis, the homeowner can expect to reduce his or her utility bill by 50 to 90 percent. One of the biggest factors is the average wind speed, since this is what determines the amount of power produced.
Will a Turbine Make Enough Noise to be Irritable?
The American Wind Energy Association has compared the emitted sound to that of the average washing machine. In most cases, this is not a problem and neighbors won't complain.
Can the Electric Company Stop a Homeowner from Making an Installation?
No. Not in the United States where there are federal regulations in place to protect homeowners from utility companies. In this case, it's covered by the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA . This protects homeowners wishing to install electricity producing systems of less than 80 MW; more than sufficient for most residential applications.
In fact, in the United States, when turbine-produced electricity exceeds residential use, the excess power goes back to the power grid and the utility company pays the homeowner. Sadly, the price is less than what they charge.
Homeowners in other countries should check their local regulations.
What Should be Considered When Selecting a Wind Turbine's Size?
This depends on the home's energy consumption and the average wind speed. As an example, a home that consumes 780 kWh per month, or about 9,400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, would need a 5 to 15 kilowatt turbine, depending on wind speed.
Why are the Towers so Tall?
The towers range in height between 80 to 100 feet (24.38 to 30.38 meters). Why so tall? It's not to insulate the home occupants from the noise. It's to raise the residential wind turbine above turbulence generated by obstacles on the ground and trees. Generally, the higher the blades, the better and more consistent the wind quality.
There are two basic kinds of towers – the hinged tower, which makes periodic wind turbine maintenance easier, and the guyed lattice tower, which is cheaper because of its simpler construction.
What about Wiring Changes to the Home?
The changes are minimal to the home's electrical system. In most cases, the utility company will want to install a dedicated electrical meter in order to monitor both systems.
How Much does a Package Cost?
There is a broad range in price depending on the Watt capability, the manufacturer's service agreement, and whether the homeowner makes the installation or contracts it out.
Usually, the price can range between $6,000 USD and $22,000 USD. So obviously, the time it takes to make the system pay for itself varies.
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