Science Analysis - Home Wind Turbine

Home Wind Turbine

Many ask, “How much money can I save with a home wind turbine?” The answer, more than you think!

A home wind turbine is an excellent way to replace the long-standing energy sources for a more environmentally friendly resource by utilizing the wind! Home wind turbines are a relatively new technology although solar panels are more common. Putting that aside, there are now a variety of residential wind turbine options available, depending on how much energy you want to get from wind power and prices range from $500 to $22,000 for installation.

The terms wind energy or wind power refers to the process whereby the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines work by converting kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power, which can be used on tasks like pumping water. The mechanical power can also be passed through a generator to be converted into electricity. A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, wind turbines use wind to make electricity!

Wind power is being generated when the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by a wind turbine. There are two types of wind turbines – vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Any turbines consist three essential functional parts: rotor blades, shaft and a generator. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy of the wine and transform it to shaft rotational energy. The shaft then channelizes the energy to the generator to convert it to electrical energy.

A home wind turbine is most commonly used to reduce the amount of energy you use from more traditional power plants like coal or nuclear. This effectively reduces your electricity bills, saving you money each month. While every homeowner can do this, your location largely determines whether or not it is cost effective. Home wind turbines are not recommended for heavily populated areas as large buildings and urban development have a tendency to break up wind patterns, resulting in erratic wind energy.

If you live in a developed area, it is recommended that your use your wind turbine for slightly reducing your electricity bill as well as carbon footprint. This is because it is unlikely that you will have sufficient access to abundant wind power to generate large amounts of electricity. It is highly recommended that you purchase a smaller roof top wind turbines. You may be able to reduce your electricity bills by 10% or more.

On the other hand, if you live in a more remote area, you will have the luxury of choosing a less expensive rooftop home wind turbine or the most expensive elevated ones. The elevated home wind turbine features a tower that stands between 80 to 120 feet. The tall towers allow the wind turbine to get access to stronger winds therefore increasing efficiency of the turbine. These tower wind turbines are free standing and are erected in a position that exposes the most wind.

Home wind turbines are a great way for you to save monthly electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint to do your part for the environment!