Home Wind Generators – Discover the Power of This Alternative Energy Resource

Wind is a renewable energy source. We don’t think of it that way, but the wind can generate large amounts of energy that can be converted to electricity to power homes. There are a variety of home wind generators on the market that can do the job.

What is Wind Energy

Solar and wind energy are related. Besides both being renewable energy sources, one contributes to the power of the other. Solar energy creates the convection currents around the earth that gives rise to winds.

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In some places, winds blow harder than others. These are the prime spots for setting up home wind generators but really they will work in places without high speed winds. To get the optimum wind power to meet the needs of a typical household, the average wind speed will be around ten miles per hour. That is like a nice breeze on a spring day.

It is the kinetic energy that the wind produces that is converted into electricity. The wind’s energy is collected by a turbine. We’ve all seen those tall white machines that resemble giant pinwheels on the side of the road. Those are wind turbines for commercial use. The ones created for home use are not as tall as those but the principle is the same.

Basics of a Wind Turbine

The wind turbine has three basic parts:

• Generator
• Blades
• Shaft

These three parts don’t make up the entire system but they are the components that gather the wind energy and convert it into electricity. The blades turn as a result of the winds passing over them. the blades spin and create kinetic energy. These blades spin on either a horizontal or vertical axis. On a horizontal access they resemble a propeller and on the vertical, the blades look like an old fashioned eggbeater.

The blades spin on a shaft. As the direction of the wind changes, the shaft allows the rotor head to move in the direction of the wind to continue to capture the wind energy. From there the energy is transferred to a generator. The generator uses magnets to convert the kinetic energy to electricity.

The electricity at this stage is termed “wild AC” for alternating current. The electricity is generated at several different wind speeds and not one constant speed. A battery can be attached to the system to store the current until it is needed and then an inverter makes it ready to be accepted by household outlets.

Purchasing a Home Wind Generator

Just like everything else that you buy, it may look the same but is not necessarily of the same quality. Before purchasing a home wind generator consider a few points:

• What is the initial cost?
• Is there a warranty on the system?
• Does the wind system have battery backup?
• Will it meet my energy needs?

What is the Initial Cost

Because renewable energy systems are not widely used, the cost to purchase them is still rather high. Intend to pay at least around $6,000 and up for a prefabricated wind energy system. Wind generators expect to cut the household electric bill by over fifty percent when you start using them.

Is There a Warranty on the System

Some systems have warranties. This is good in case anything gets damaged for any reason other than normal wear and tear and negligence. A five year warranty is good. Depending on how long you plan to live in your current home, the system may need to be replaced at least once.

Does the Wind System have Battery Backup

There are three types of wind generator systems you can purchase:

• Grid intertied with battery backup
• Grid intertied (batteryless)
• Non-grid system

If you live in a remote area, the last system will be for you. In a residential area that has grid electrical service, you can utilize a battery or go without. Use a battery to store energy for those unexpected times when the winds are low or non-existent.

Will it Meet your Energy Needs

Check the motor on the wind system. Ideally you will want a generator that has low RPMs and a high voltage and current. DC motors can be found on eBay for less than $100.