Wind is one of the most destructive things in nature but can have large benefits by turning that destructive energy into power we can use. Countries are now seeing how beneficial wind power can be and are developing various ways of capturing it. Wind power is basically the conversion of wind energy into electricity. According to the World Wind Energy Report of 2008, wind energy put out 1.5% of the earth’s electricity usage and is still rising immensely. Since 2005 it has doubled!

Wind energy as a power source is great as a substitute to fossil fuel because of many reasons. First, the source of the energy is overflowing. With wind there is an infinite amount of it and also it is commonly dispersed so individuals are able to receive it anyplace around the world. In addition, wind is a renewable power source that is clean in that it doesn’t create any greenhouse gas emissions hostile to the environment. Nonetheless, the barrier with wind is it not being constant in one area all the time. It has its burst times and then sometimes there isn’t any air blowing. Because wind is so inconsistent it is said that most of the power is gain during short burst times. For example, in 2002 Lee Ranch did a sample of their wind turbines and found that half their energy was gained during just 15% of the time the windmills were operating.

Compared to other sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, the environmental effects of wind power are relatively small. Wind power is unique in that is doesn’t need fuel to make power and doesn’t produce any air pollution. People are now starting to see the benefits of wind power and are building windmills at their residences to get off the dependency of the electrical company. One good benefit is that windmills can be joined to the local grid. So people can utilize that for their storage of the energy and displacing purchased power with local production when it’s available. Homes can be off the grid and make use batteries or photovoltaic systems to retain the power produced. Residences can then hold onto that energy until they need to use it.

People are starting now to search for different ways of constructing their own home wind turbine. Home owners need to first check to see which model would work best for their home. There is either the horizontal axis or the vertical axis windmill. The best model for a home that has many obstacles in the way would be a vertical axis over that of a horizontal axis. But as wind turbines become more popular the costs of building your own windmill will continue to drop to make it affordable for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for your Home

 Due to the high cost of utility usage today coupled with the concerns of our environment by energy waste and pollution, many people around the world are taking a closer look into renewable energy solutions. One of the most popular topics on renewable energy solutions is wind power. Wind is an energy source that is free and constant and will never run out. Ways to harness this power for good use have been implemented down the time. With more efficient technology, one is able to harness all the free wind energy one would need and then some.

The #1 Question:

·        How much does it cost? Is all the equipment of a windmill expensive?

With patience, one could pick up all materials needed and build one for less than $200.00. Some of the materials can even be found for free.

·        How difficult is it to build?

Today?  Not very difficult at all with all the homemade wind generator resources out there. Find a set of plans that are easy, step by step instructions. Make sure there are plenty of diagrams and pictures. And make sure you can understand it. Terminology in layman’s terms obviously is the best. With all the proper pieces, your wind generator can be built in less than a day.

·        How much wind is needed?

Very light winds between 5-15 mph. There is a cut in range, when the blades are beginning to produce power and a survival range, the max wind speed it can handle before the blades “fly off the handle”

·        How much space do I need?

Wind generators that are homemade take up a small footprint. Using an old homeowners radio tower or TV antenna, many times these items are unnoticeable being now immune to our eyes as part of the landscape. If you are storing electricity in batteries, you will need the space of a small trunk to more if your windmill is larger.

·        How do I save money?

Obviously, the less power you have to buy from your local power company, the more you will save.

·        Can I make money by going to a wind generator?

Yes, if you live in a location that offers to buy your excess power. This is called net metering. Check with your local power company to see if they offer incentives such as net metering, credits or rebate programs.

·        Is it safe?

Energy in any form is inherently dangerous. Just as with any industry, there are hazards for those who work with wind energy, dealing with high winds, heights, and moving machinery such as the spinning of the wind turbine rotor. The damage caused by wind energy is evidenced everywhere. When wind kills, it is well known. Building your own wind generator is safe as long as you put safety 1st.