Home Wind Generators - Top 10 Q&A

© Copyright Webstreet Properties
by D. Alan Carter

Home Wind Generators - Will my utility allow me to hook up a small wind system?

Yes. With the passing of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), federal regulations require utilities not only to connect with, but to purchase excess power from, small wind energy systems. Homeowners will still need to contact their local utility prior to connecting to the "grid" to address any power quality or safety concerns, and to make metering arrangements.

With regard to metering, the utility will provide either two uni-directional meters – one to record electricity drawn from the grid and the other to record electricity fed back into the grid – or a single bi-directional meter (net metering arrangement) that records both the electricity drawn from and fed into the grid. In the latter case, the meter spins forward as you draw electricity, and spins backward as the excess is fed into the grid. From a homeowner’s perspective, net metering is preferable because the excess electricity is valued at the retail rate.

Here's a resource for net metering rules state by state.

Home Wind Generators - How much does a small wind system cost?

Expect to pay, as a rule of thumb, $3,000 to $5,000 for every kilowatt of generating capacity. To make a meaningful contribution to the energy needs of the average household, a generator in the capacity range of 2-10 kW is needed. Doing the math, that pegs the cost of a small wind system – before rebates – at somewhere between $6,000 and $50,000 depending upon capacity.

Home Wind Generators - Are there government incentives to purchase a system?

The good news is that many states have incentives and rebate programs that can reduce the purchase price for homeowners by up to 50%. For information on financial incentives at the state and federal level, the North Carolina State University provides a useful resource: state-by-state Financial Incentives for Renewable Energy.

Home Wind Generators - How much money can I save?

A typical homeowner who is currently connected to the power grid can reduce his electrical bill between 10-90% with a home wind generator. The exact percentage depends upon the size of the installed unit (in kW of output), average wind speed, and other variables.

That’s a bit too broad a percentage to be meaningful, so let’s break it down. A homeowner spending $50 to $100 per month on electricity should expect to save 10-20% off that utility bill by installing a small, 1 kW wind turbine (a $5,000 initial investment). That same homeowner should realize a 30-60% savings each month with the installation of a 3 kW wind turbine (a $15,000 initial investment). The higher the monthly utility bill, the greater the savings with a small wind system.

By the way, a homeowner in a remote location, off the grid, will see a substantial and immediate savings if opting for a wind system versus the cost of extending power lines to the property (which can run $15,000 to $50,000 per mile depending on terrain).

Home Wind Generators - Do home wind generators make noise?

They do. In most cases it’s a level of noise somewhere between the ambient wind noise and that of a residential air conditioner. Some liken it to the background noise produced in a home or office. The more distant the tower, obviously, the less intrusive that noise will be to the homeowner and neighbors.

Home Wind Generators - Do home wind generators interfere with radio or television reception?

They do not.

Home Wind Generators - How much wind is needed?

Generally, an average annual wind speed of 9-10 mph is needed for a small wind generator or wind turbine to generate enough electricity to be cost effective.

Home Wind Generators - Can I install a system myself?

Yes, or then again, no. Yes, if you...

• feel confident working with cement (for the tower’s foundation)
• have access to a lift or a way of erecting the tower safely
• feel confident working with AC or DC wiring

No, if you’re not so mechanically inclined or feel uncomfortable working with electrical wiring. The manufacturer of your system will be able to help, either providing their own installers or putting you in contact with local contractors familiar with their installation requirements. In addition to the initial set up, a contract installer will likely be able to provide a service and maintenance program.

Home Wind Generators - How much maintenance is required on wind generators?

Not much. An annual safety inspection is suggested; checking nuts and bolts and electrical connections, tightening if necessary. Moving mechanical parts may need periodic oiling and greasing, as per manufacturers’ instructions. Blades and bearings may need replacement after 10 years or so.

Home Wind Generators - How long will a home wind generator last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a home wind generator should last 20-30 years.

– D. Alan Carter