Wind Power

Using wind power is the alternative energy solution that is growing at a very rapid rate in recent years and it is considered to be ideal in places where solar power systems may not function to their ability because of the lack of sunlight. Wind power had been used in the early centuries where they were used in water pumps or in grain mills. The same technology that used to run the mills and the water pumps has been modified to make electricity and we are seeing a lot of windmill farms being erected by energy companies to tap the enormous wind resource. The most important fact is that the energy that is produced is clean and green and this is a good way for us to pay back to the planet by using greener energy. Using home wind power systems is a good idea and is considered to be cheaper to set up than solar power systems as there are no batteries involved. If the wind is high electricity from the wind power systems is used and when the wind is low electricity is drawn from the grid.

Components Of Home Wind Power System

• Blades – The number of blades used in the system depends on the model and there can be anywhere from 4 to 20 blades and has to be less than 26 feet in diameter. Wind energy is used by the blades to rotate the shaft
• Shaft – This is the component that will transfer the energy to the generator
• Generator – This is what converts the mechanical energy it received through the shaft into electricity.
• Nacelle – This is the enclosure that will house the generator, the drive train and the gearbox
• Tower – The blades and the nacelle is mounted on the tower and the height of the tower is generally less than 130 feet. The tower is important and has to be sturdy to withstand the wind forces as it holds the equipment at the top.
• Base – The component that will secure the entire tower with the other components to the ground. The base has to be strong and should be able to keep the windmill attached to the ground or roof at all times.
• Electronic Equipments – there will be a few electronic equipments like controls, ground support equipment and electric cables that will help you to manage your home wind power system

Benefits Of Using Home Wind Power System

Wind turbines are less expensive to install and can help to lower your electricity costs up to 90% depending on your usage and the wind conditions. The system will be able to compensate its installing cost in a few years and you have the option to sell power to the power company if you have excess energy that is being produced by the wind power system. As there is no pollution involved in the energy produced, you can be proud that you are doing something for the environment and for the planet.

Disadvantages Of Wind Power Systems

The main disadvantage is that you can set up wind power systems only in places where you expect winds of at least 10 mph on average. You may also have to acquire a building permit to install them as they tend to be tall structures. A rooftop wind turbine is not a good option as it will not produce the electricity that you need and therefore you will have to find some space next to your home to install the wind turbine.