| Wind might just be considered the ultimate form of | | | | neighbors and their desires should be considered. |
| renewable energy. Nearly everyone has felt the | | | | Some people might object to having a windmill in their |
| force of wind, or seen wind mills in operation on a | | | | field of view, and considerations might have to be |
| larger scale. Those enjoying coastal properties see | | | | negotiated. Thankfully, properties found within the |
| the power of wind on a daily basis. The question is, | | | | Santa Cruz MLS property list can be a great source |
| however, how practical are wind mills on a smaller, | | | | for prime properties. Finally, you should consider |
| residential scale? Can the cost of installation and | | | | whether or not you're comfortable making a long |
| maintenance outweigh the savings on your electric bill | | | | term investment, and the amount of your monthly |
| and energy consumption? This article will show you | | | | electric bill. If it averages more than $150 a month, |
| how to decide if residential wind mills are a practical | | | | chances are a windmill might be a practical choice. |
| choice. | | | | If you've determined that placing a residential wind |
| If you're considering installing a residential windmill to | | | | mill on your property can be feasibly done, the next |
| decrease your electric bill, there are a number of | | | | thing to consider is the cost of the system. Wind |
| factors that you should consider. The first is | | | | mill installation costs can vary greatly, and depends on |
| whether or not your property has a good wind | | | | local zoning, permitting, and utility connection costs. |
| resource. In California, the Santa Cruz properties | | | | A small turbine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to |
| offer some of the best places to harness the wind | | | | $50,000 installed, depending on the size, application |
| energy available. One way to help determine this is | | | | and service agreements with the manufacturer. In |
| to take a look at a wind map of your area. A great | | | | fact, the American Wind Energy Association, |
| resource for finding this information is the | | | | awea.org says that a standard home wind system |
| windpoweringamerica.gov website, by the U.S. | | | | costs about $32,000. Although this should be |
| Department of Energy. In addition, chances are | | | | considered a significant investment, the overall cost |
| your local or state government could have additional | | | | can potentially be much less than other renewable |
| information on wind resources in your area. | | | | resources, and can be extremely competitive with |
| The size of your property is also something to | | | | traditional energy resources. For example, a |
| consider when thinking about wind generation. Santa | | | | comparable solar energy or photovoltaic system can |
| Cruz real estate can offer the land you need to | | | | cost more than $80,000. Once you factor in the |
| handle the equipment necessary for wind generation | | | | savings in lower utility costs, the relative impact on |
| you need approximately an acre of land, ideally in a | | | | the environment, as well as the renewable nature of |
| rural setting. Of course, you also have to consider | | | | wind, it might compare favorably to what the power |
| your local zoning codes and ordinances; sometimes | | | | company supplies. If these alternative power sources |
| there are limitations on what can be constructed, and | | | | are less, or even, a residential windmill might be a |
| the sizes involved. Also, the closeness of your | | | | practical choice. |