| energy has been in use since ancient times, propelling | | | | generates more energy than you can use. If your |
| boats and warships, pumping water to thirsty | | | | area is eligible for "net metering," any excess |
| farmlands and grinding grains. But this energy has | | | | electricity you generate is automatically sold back to |
| never been fully harnessed, due to the convenience | | | | the local energy utility, where you may receive |
| of other energy sources like coal and petroleum. | | | | payment or a credit. Once you are set-up to net |
| There's a renewed interest in this free alternative | | | | meter, the process is automatic. |
| source of energy, thanks to the realization that the | | | | There are some considerations to take into account |
| world's reliance on fossil fuels are causing major | | | | before installing wind turbines: location, general |
| complications, including higher costs and environmental | | | | weather condition, zoning ordinances, size of home, |
| abuse. | | | | and amount of investment. The wind option works |
| What's so great about wind energy? There are many | | | | best in high locations and in generally windy places. |
| benefits to choosing this alternative energy source: | | | | Your house should not be blocked by taller buildings |
| - Wind towers can be built on land or water, making | | | | or trees, allowing more wind action to propel the |
| them compatible with most locations | | | | turbine blades to generate electricity. |
| - Wind power doesn't pollute the environment | | | | There are two wind turbine types – horizontal |
| - Wind is a renewable energy source | | | | axis wind and vertical axis wind turbines. The |
| - No harmful by-products are produced by wind | | | | horizontal axis wind turbine produces more electricity |
| turbines and wind power | | | | but it has to be positioned to face the wind. The |
| - Inexpensive operation means reduced energy costs | | | | vertical turbine can catch wind coming from different |
| To generate electricity, a wind turbine is set on a tall | | | | directions, which makes this turbine a popular option. |
| tower to collect kinetic or motion energy created by | | | | For the home, wind turbines rated five up to 15 |
| the wind. This energy is then converted by the | | | | kilowatts can provide significant amounts of |
| turbines into the kind of electricity any regular | | | | electricity. A turbine can be very large or, for home |
| household can use. | | | | use, small turbines with a diameter measuring one |
| For personal residential use, electricity generated by a | | | | meter or less will be appropriate. Unless you are a |
| wind turbine on your roof and the power supplied by | | | | serious do-it-yourselfer, consider hiring a consultant to |
| a local utility are combined. Why the need for local | | | | help you find the best solution for your particular |
| power supply when you already have wind energy? | | | | needs. An expert can help with wind speed |
| Wind speed varies, while smaller wind turbines are | | | | calculations, the best manufacturers, and provide |
| now efficient at wind speeds of 7-10 miles per hour, | | | | installation and maintenance. |
| below that, little if any electricity is produced. As a | | | | With all that wind blowing so freely, consider |
| result, local power supplies pick up the slack when | | | | harnessing the power for your benefit. By converting |
| the wind power generated is insufficient. | | | | wind to electricity, you can significantly reduce your |
| In some cases, you may find that your system | | | | residential consumption by 50 to 90 per cent. |