Do Small Wind Turbines Kill Birds?
However, there are several limitations that you must consider that may make the roof mount just too good to be true:
1. Lack of available wind
While it is seductive to think about generating electricity by simply putting a small windmill up on your roof, the wind that's up there isn't always best suited for powering a windmill.
The problem is the wind at that height encounters a great deal of interference from trees and other buildings that may be close by, causing turbulence.
Most wind energy experts suggest mounting your turbine at least 30 feet ABOVE the tree line. That is because that puts the turbine in the best position to harvest non-turbulent wind.
2. Stresses on your roof
The weight of your device can be well over 200 pounds. When the windmill is attached to the roof structure, it will place stresses on the underlying roof when the wind blows. Especially, when the wind is gusting.
Those stresses can pull at the substructure and damage your roof. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so tread lightly here.
3. Neighborhood conflict
A lot of folks just don't like to look at windmills mounted on a roof. That sentiment is reflected in many neighborhood bylaws.
So, it is recommended that you thoroughly check out local ordinances that may impact your ability to even put a small wind turbine on your roof. Taking that step will show you to the type of windmill to get and where makes the most sense to mount it given local predispositions for or against them.
The idea that an army of small windmills can be deployed and solve the energy crisis is quite appealing and makes for a good story.
However, the economies of scale still favor the larger wind turbines for now.
With the government's current 30% income tax credit though, more and more people will buy smaller wind generators and the prices will come down over time.
Nonetheless, technology still needs to become more cost effective and lighter. And, the price needs to drop a lot to compensate for the potential damage to roofs and low energy production before small wind turbines can be mounted there effectively.
A small wind turbine won't work everywhere and for everybody. Use this simple checklist to find out if you are a good candidate.
Wind is everywhere, but is there enough there for you? Are the obstacles to putting up your own personal wind turbine too great given current technological limitations?
Here are the questions you must ask yourself before you go too far down this road.
1. Is there ENOUGH wind in my backyard to make power?
A key factor with wind turbines is their "cut-in speed". This means the wind speed at which they begin to make power. Sure, you can get the blades to turn a little at a speed LOWER than the cut-in, but it is unlikely that it will be enough power to overcome electrical line losses inherent in all wiring.
To begin, contact your local weather station and find out average wind speeds and directions in as much detail as they have. While they will likely have data going back many years, all you really are interested in is the last several.
1. Lack of available wind
While it is seductive to think about generating electricity by simply putting a small windmill up on your roof, the wind that's up there isn't always best suited for powering a windmill.
The problem is the wind at that height encounters a great deal of interference from trees and other buildings that may be close by, causing turbulence.
Most wind energy experts suggest mounting your turbine at least 30 feet ABOVE the tree line. That is because that puts the turbine in the best position to harvest non-turbulent wind.
2. Stresses on your roof
The weight of your device can be well over 200 pounds. When the windmill is attached to the roof structure, it will place stresses on the underlying roof when the wind blows. Especially, when the wind is gusting.
Those stresses can pull at the substructure and damage your roof. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so tread lightly here.
3. Neighborhood conflict
A lot of folks just don't like to look at windmills mounted on a roof. That sentiment is reflected in many neighborhood bylaws.
So, it is recommended that you thoroughly check out local ordinances that may impact your ability to even put a small wind turbine on your roof. Taking that step will show you to the type of windmill to get and where makes the most sense to mount it given local predispositions for or against them.
The idea that an army of small windmills can be deployed and solve the energy crisis is quite appealing and makes for a good story.
However, the economies of scale still favor the larger wind turbines for now.
With the government's current 30% income tax credit though, more and more people will buy smaller wind generators and the prices will come down over time.
Nonetheless, technology still needs to become more cost effective and lighter. And, the price needs to drop a lot to compensate for the potential damage to roofs and low energy production before small wind turbines can be mounted there effectively.
A small wind turbine won't work everywhere and for everybody. Use this simple checklist to find out if you are a good candidate.
Wind is everywhere, but is there enough there for you? Are the obstacles to putting up your own personal wind turbine too great given current technological limitations?
Here are the questions you must ask yourself before you go too far down this road.
1. Is there ENOUGH wind in my backyard to make power?
A key factor with wind turbines is their "cut-in speed". This means the wind speed at which they begin to make power. Sure, you can get the blades to turn a little at a speed LOWER than the cut-in, but it is unlikely that it will be enough power to overcome electrical line losses inherent in all wiring.
To begin, contact your local weather station and find out average wind speeds and directions in as much detail as they have. While they will likely have data going back many years, all you really are interested in is the last several.
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