Home Wind Generator - Is A Wind Generator Right For You?

© Copyright 2008, D. Alan Carter

In The ABC’s of Home Wind Generators, we touched on a list of conditions that make an investment in a home wind generator an economical one. Let’s break down those conditions and take a closer look.

Home Wind Generator - A Need For Good Wind

The quality of wind in your locale can make or break the economics behind a home wind generator. Most small wind generators need a 10 mph wind to generate electricity on a cost-effective basis. Homeowners in a number of major U.S. cities can retrieve wind speed data online from the National Climate Data Center.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy publishes wind resource data in the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States, as well as wind resource maps by state.

Finally, you may be able to get average wind speed information from a call to your local airport. Keep in mind that there are a number of variables that can impact the quality of wind where you live, irrespective of maps and charts. If your property is hilly or if there are nearby trees and buildings, your average wind speed may not correspond with governmental statistics. If you’re particularly concerned, your may want to investigate the purchase of a wind resource evaluation system. They’re expensive, but could save you an even bigger outlay of cash if you were to buy a home wind generator only to find it’s rotors still more often than not.

Click here for more information on wind resource evaluation.

Home Wind Generator - Favorable Zoning

Each community has its own set of codes and regulations governing small renewable energy systems. In particular, local zoning regulations in urban settings commonly limit the height and placement of accessory structures. Given that home wind generators are typically mounted on tall towers, it may be necessary to secure a ‘special use’ permit to bypass zoning. Contact your local planning board. In addition, there may be neighborhood covenant issues to explore, and a building permit will likely be needed. Contact your local building inspector.

Finally, don’t leave your neighbors in the dark about your plans. Discuss the idea with them early on, as they may have questions regarding noise and aesthetics that you’ll want to address before the tower is in place and the money spent.

Home Wind Generator - Sizable Lot

Most home wind generators need a bit of room to operate most cost effectively. A residential lot of one acre or more is advisable to avoid wind block and turbulence from neighboring homes, buildings and trees. Then there’s the issue of courtesy; depending upon placement, a tower and turbine will affect your neighbors’ aesthetic and noise sensibilities, to some extent. The larger your lot, the more distance you can afford between your turbine and your neighbors’ property lines.

The good news is that a number of manufacturers are racing to miniaturize the technology. Indeed, a number of rooftop-mounted systems are available today, bringing wind power to smaller-lot suburban homes.

Home Wind Generator - Long-Term Horizon

With the right system and other conditions met, a home wind generator can reduce a homeowner electricity bills by 50-90%. While that’s impressive, keep in mind that the initial investment in a home wind generator is still significant, typically $5,000 to $20,000 (after rebates and incentives). Given that, the initial investment payback on a home wind generator runs from 6 to 15 years. The beauty part? After that payback point, the electricity it produces will be virtually free. Here’s an additional plus: an investment in a home wind generator will likely increase the value of your home.

With a typical 20-30 year lifespan, a home wind generator can be a cost effective investment for those comfortable with a long-term investment horizon.

For information on net metering, costs and incentives, see our Top 10 Q&A for Home Wind Generators.

You'll find a good selection of wind generators and wind turbines for the home that are available now, including kits, towers and accessories, by visiting our Online Store just one page over.

– D. Alan Carter