If you want to help save the planet and save money on your power bill, you should consider renewable energy. The most common form of renewable energy for residential users, is solar energy However, there is an alternate type of renewable energy that may be of interest to some people: do it yourself wind power.
Wind power is the conversion of power from the wind into a usable form of energy, such as electricity. Actually, wind is a form of solar energy because wind is caused by the sun’s heat. When the wind blows, it contains kinetic energy, which can be captured and turned into electrical, mechanical or other forms of energy. It is possible to capture this energy and use it for residential purposes. Wind turbines do not produce pollution or greenhouse gases; you’ll be saving the Earth and saving money at the same time!
Before you run out to buy a wind turbine, you need to now if it is right for you. A wind turbine is a relatively large device and needs a reasonably tall tower to work. It is also does produce some noise, though that is not usually enough to cause any issues. It is not suitable for most suburban or urban homes due to small lot sizes and the nearness of neighbors. You should have at least an acre of property, if not more, to consider using wind power. The area in which you live should also have an average wind speed of around 10 MPH to make the wind turbine a worthwhile investment.
To effectively use a wind turbine, they need to be placed on a tall tower, usually at least 80 feet tall. You would need to check with the local zoning laws before you erect a tower on your property. A wind turbine can cost from $6,000 and above. You need to make certain you will be generating enough power and will be saving enough money on your utility bill to make this cost effective.
If you are good at building things, this can be a do-it-yourself project. There are three ways to do this. You can purchase a kit that is ready to install, you can purchase the required parts for a wind turbine, connect them and then install the turbine, or you can purchase a set of instructions and build your own from scratch. The method you choose will depend on your level of mechanical expertise. Choose the one that is right for you. If a wind turbine is suitable for your neighborhood, and you have the ability to build or install one, you will be benefiting both the Earth and your bank account.
