The ABC’s of Home Wind Generators 

© Copyright 2008, D. Alan Carter

Home Wind Generators - How They Work

A wind generator or wind turbine is a device of rotating blades which converts the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical energy. Mechanical energy can be tapped directly to power pumps and other machinery, as were the iconic "windmills" commonplace on farms worldwide and especially in the U.S. Midwest, which powered water pumps to keep livestock ponds full. Although some 60,000 windmills remain active in the U.S. (down from a peak of 600,000), for most modern purposes, including residential applications, the mechanical energy of a wind generator is subsequently converted into electricity.

Home Wind Generators - Urban Settings

In a typical residential application, a wind generator or wind turbine augments the electrical service provided by the local utility. At wind speeds insufficient to power the generator, the utility provides 100% of the electrical needs to the household. As wind speeds increase, the generator kicks in and provides an increasing share of the electrical burden. Given enough speed and sustainability, and depending upon the make and model of turbine, wind may actually generate more electricity than is needed. During these periods, and thanks to net metering laws, the excess power is recovered by the utility by way of grid interconnection equipment. The homeowner is, in effect, selling electricity to the utility.

Home Wind Generators - Rural Settings

In rural residential applications beyond the reach of the power grid, the wind generator supplies 100% of the household’s electrical needs, or is augmented with other power sources (i.e. solar). Off-grid generators will include a bank of batteries to store electricity for use during windless periods.

Home Wind Generators - Can They Work For You?

A movement is under way. A number of wind turbine manufacturers are focused on reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of home wind generators to counter complaints of esthetics and up-front costs. And those costs can still be significant. Expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 depending upon the size of the unit and after rebates and incentives, although at least one manufacturer recently launched a new, roof-mounted product priced at $1,399 and change. Factoring in the up-front costs, a home wind generator can still be an economical source of electricity for your household if most, if not all, of the following conditions exist:

• Good Wind. Most small wind generators need a 10 mph wind to operate efficiently.
• Favorable Zoning. Your city, municipality or subdivision must allow wind turbines.
• Sizable Lot. Most home wind generators need a larger lot to avoid wind block and turbulence from buildings, and allowing placement of the turbine a sufficient distance from neighbors’ property lines.
• Long Term Horizon. The initial investment payback on a home wind generator runs from 6 to 15 years. After that, the electricity it produces will be virtually free. While an investment in a home wind generator will likely increase the value of your home, any actual return on that investment –from that angle– will only come about if you sell your home. Those planning to remain in their home will see a return on investment based on accumulated utility savings, so a long-term investment horizon needs to be acceptable.

Let’s break ‘em down and take a closer look at each of the conditions mentioned above, in Is A Wind Generator Right For You?

Home Wind Generators - Game Changer

While economical within a long-term time horizon, there is one condition that dramatically improves the economics behind a home wind generator - that being your home does not have easy access to utility lines. If you’re currently "off the grid" and the financial responsibility for connecting to that grid is yours, you’ll likely discover that there is less  up-front costs in buying and setting up a home wind generator than running utility lines.

The urge to harness energy helped propel the human species out of the dark and into the light of the modern world. But we now know that all energy is not created equal. Some of it is killing the planet and some of it holds the promise to save the planet. The beauty part? Wind - and other renewable energy sources - promise to save our pocketbooks, as well as the Mother Earth.

FYI, for a side-by-side comparison with that other renewable energy source, including economics, see Residential Solar vs Home Wind Power.

 – D. Alan Carter