| Are you concerned about the condition of our | | | | plans are available online that insure the project is |
| environment? While many people dispute the notion | | | | doable and easy. A DIY installation can save the |
| of global warming, everyone knows that burning | | | | homeowner thousands of dollars in start up costs. |
| fossil fuels to produce electricity does pollute the air | | | | Cons of wind power for homes: |
| we breathe. What are eco friendly alternative ways | | | | 1. Cost. Wind turbines for homes cost several |
| to generate electricity? Solar power has traditionally | | | | thousands of dollars each and complete systems can |
| been an alternative energy choice. Another popular | | | | cost as much as $20,000. |
| choice is wind power generation. | | | | 2. Cannot be used effectively in some areas. To be |
| My introduction to wind turbine energy occurred while | | | | feasible the average wind speed must be at least 10 |
| driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles. As I rounded a | | | | miles per hour. Large parts of the United States will |
| curve I witnessed an almost eerie sight, a huge area | | | | support wind power generation, but certain areas will |
| of commercial wind turbines spinning in the sunset. | | | | not. |
| After returning home I noticed smaller versions of | | | | 3. Zoning restrictions and the "not in my |
| those huge turbines. I started researching wind | | | | neighborhood" syndrome. Some municipalities and |
| power. Curious,I wanted to know if this was a viable | | | | neighborhood associations ban the use of wind |
| alternative energy source for me. Like me, have you | | | | turbines. Even if you are in an area conducive to wind |
| ever wondered what are the pros and cons of wind | | | | power generation you may be prohibited from doing |
| turbines for homes? | | | | so. |
| Pros of wind power for homes: | | | | The absolute best way for you to determine if wind |
| 1. Nonpolluting source of electricity. Turbine blades | | | | generated electricity is right for you is to do your |
| spin and turn kinetic energy into electrical energy. | | | | homework. Find out if you receive the minimum |
| Unlike coal or natural gas fired power plants, a wind | | | | amount of wind needed to power a turbine. Next, |
| turbine does not pollute the atmosphere. | | | | check local restrictions. Finally, decide if you want to |
| 2. Helps create energy independence both for the | | | | save thousands of dollars by building and installing |
| country and the homeowner. The United States is | | | | your wind turbine power system. |
| far too dependent on foreign sources of energy. | | | | If you are interested in building wind turbines for |
| Wind power systems can reduce or entirely replace | | | | homes carefully select your plans. Much of what is |
| power purchased from the utility company thus | | | | available online is incomplete and has been written by |
| protecting the homeowner from black-outs and | | | | hobbyists. Search out plans written by alternative |
| power outages. | | | | energy experts. Their experience will make your |
| 3. Can be build and installed as a DIY project. Quality | | | | project much easier. |