Early Adopter Residential Wind Power Turbines

We have a PV solar system on our roof, so I’m interested in other ways to generate energy. We live on the side of a canyon that is often windy in the late afternoon/evening.  I have always been curious how much a Wind Turbine would cost, how much energy it could make, and how long the return on investment would be. An even bigger factor would be whether I could even get a city permit to install one. Major rebates and Federal tax credits are available to reduce the cost of installing wind power.

American Wind Energy Association has a nice Wind Energy FAQ. Some highlights:
“As a general rule of thumb, if economics are a concern, a turbine owner should have at least a 10 mph average wind speed and be paying at least 10 cents/kWh for electricity.”

“An 80- to 120-foot tower is usually supplied along with the wind turbine. ”

“A small turbine can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $22,000 installed, depending upon size, application and service agreements with the manufacturer.”

Market forces are rapidly dropping down the prices of wind turbines. China’s Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology, is now the No. 2 wind power supplier by shipments. Chinese windmills are on average are 20% cheaper than those build locally. Western companies have to work hard to differentiate themselves with innovative solutions to remain competitive in the wind power marketplace.

I didn’t realize it, but Clean Power Now reports that even Former President George H.W. Bush has a 33 foot tall windmill.

I noticed a wind turbine at the California Academy of science the other day. I decided to do some research.  Helix Wind make it and sells lower cost wind turbines that are more suitable for home and small businesses. They make 2.5kW ($6500-$8500) and 5kW systems.

What To Analyze Before Getting a Wind Turbine

• Local zoning that permits small wind turbine installation.
• Know how much power the system really puts out. Check windknowledge.com
• Check local wind maps, verify height of wind measurement. Adequate wind (greater than 14 MPH)
• Turbulent and gusty wind or wind that frequently changes direction.
• Perform a site analysis by a wind turbine installer.
• Have an expert check your roof or other structure.
• Verify you qualify for wind turbine rebates.
• Compare prices from multiple wind turbine dealers.
• Electricity costs greater than $0.15/kWhr
• An allowable installed height of less than 35 feet (although higher is ok too if zoning permits).
• An existing interconnection agreement with your local utility (to check the net energy meeting regulations in your state please click here: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/states.html

Clearly, Turbines are not for everyone.

Also read about Wind Turbine Health problems, Wind Turbine Syndrome

Related posts:

1. Residential Wind Power Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency
2. Wind Turbine Health Problems? Wind Turbine Syndrome?
3. Lower Cost Wind Turbines
4. Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency – Fuel Cells Power Generators and Microturbine System
5. Economic Payback on Solar Power Systems
6. New California Solar Power Energy Measures
7. Eight Cool Things About Solar Power That Just Might Change the World
8. Home Improvement Tax Credits

Posted on August 22nd, 2011
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