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Wind Power For Homes
The use of wind power as an alternative energy source has been steadily rising over the past five years.
The year 2007 saw an exponential increase in wind energy development across the country, an increase of 45%. This figure incorporates the national energy development for large businesses but also wind power for homes and residential use.
Many people are unaware of the degree of savings and profitability that are available when using wind power for homes and small businesses. Not only are the positive effects economical, but they are environmentally safe as well.
The use of wind power for homes and residences can save homeowners from fifty to ninety percent on their overall utility bills. Savings on the higher end of the spectrum are not uncommon. The initial investment can be a little pricey.
The necessary kits for wind power for homes and residences can cost several thousand dollars. However, these investments are usually returned in the form of savings. Sometimes, wind power for homes and residential use can actually generate a profit.
The wind turbines create and store the energy generated from the wind. If the energy stored is more than the energy needed to run the home, then the utility company will automatically purchase the excess energy.
These profits are most common in areas with prime turbine placements (that is areas with unobstructed and high wind speeds).
Environmental groups are especially eager to promote the use of wind energy. It is widely considered to be a clean, safe, and highly renewable energy resource.
This is even truer when comparing the environmental effects of wind energy to other fossil fuel based energy sources. Wind turbines produce no pollution, as they are a zero emissions energy source.
A small residential wind turbine will offset approximately 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
Wind power for homes, residences, and businesses does not come without protests. As can be expected there are some objections to this energy alternative, such as turbine placement and noise pollution.
However, these objections are constantly being resolved as wind energy technology evolves and develops. Today, wind turbines are much quieter than the previous generation, and produce very little noise. The objections to the placement of the turbines will be a problem that is slightly more difficult to resolve.
Since prime locations for wind energy development tend to be in the scenic areas (such as mountainsides, oceans, oceanside, and open plains), the placement of the turbines continue to obstruct the aesthetics of the natural landscape.
Regardless of the objects and resolutions, wind energy is a clean and practical energy source. Wind power for homes and residential use is not only practical but extremely economical.
With a small investment and a long term plan, wind power for homes can be profitable while allowing the homeowner an opportunity to do their part to save the environment.
Minnesota Wind Power Specific links
Minnesota Wind Power News
MN Power Wind Parts Unloaded - WDIO-TV
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Minnesota's Prairie Rose Wind Farm Set To Bloom - EarthTechling
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Countering Wind Energy Skepticism - Huffington Post
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Juhl Wind, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2012 Financial Results - MarketWatch (press release)
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Gouged by the Wind - Wall Street Journal
Gouged by the Wind Wall Street Journal The Minnesota Rural Electric Association, which represents about 50 small utilities serving about 650000 rural residents, reports that its members lost more than $70 million in 2011 because of the high cost of wind power. "Right now we're paying for ... |