Wind Turbines For Home Use - Is It Practical

As our society matures and we begin to understand and appreciate that everything we do will have an impact on our environment, we are starting to look for better ways of supplying our energy needs. There is an increasing recognition that the world is getting smaller and that what happens on one side of the world affects the other. Thus the shortage of fossil fuels and some other finite resources are forcing us to look for alternatives. Using wind turbines might just be one of those alternative sources of energy.

You've probably seen the huge expanses of giant wind mills scattered around the country. They are now sen to be commercially viable, but the obvious question is: can you put that same technology to work for you on a smaller scale?

A lot of the 'wind experts' say no, you can't. They claim that you can't get enough energy from a small turbine; anything small enough to fit in your backyard wouldn't generate enough electricity to power your home.

The bad news is they are right, the good news is that they are wrong. Let me explain.

While it's true that a small wind turbine won't meet all of the electrical needs of your home it can still supply a portion of the electricity you will need. You can generate upwards of 60% of the electricity your home needs with one wind turbine, on average.

Most of the 'experts' seem to have an all or nothing philosophy, meaning if you can't generate enough electricity to allow you to cut yourself out of the grid than it's not worth it.

Many homeowners, on the other hand, are just looking for ways to go green, to be eco-sensitive and save some money. Thus, saving a little bit of electricity by generating it themselves at the same time as saving a few dollars is well worth it, particularly when you consider that you can build your own turbine for a few hundred dollars.

So if you want to save yourself some money while doing your part to help out the planet, you should consider building and installing your own home wind turbines. Don't worry about the 'experts' they're only worried about their own profits!

Wind Energy - 5 Reasons Why You Need It

The economy is taken it's biggest hit in decades over the last year or so. Many families are struggling and the increasing cost of energy is just one more hurtle they must overcome. Using wind energy to help cut your electric costs is one easy way you can help out the planet, and your finances.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider using the wind for your electricity needs:

1. Completely free to use and the government hasn't worked out how to tax it yet. Wind is available anywhere in the world.

2. Technological advances in the way electricity is generated from the wind makes it highly reliable source of energy. Just one turbine can save you up to 60% off your energy bill.

3. Wind turbines are now available in smaller residential sizes that can easily fit in your backyard and even on your roof.

4. One home sized wind turbine can create the same amount of electricity as 5 solar panels. You can use the turbine day or night. Solar panels only work during the day when there is sunlight.

5. With advances that are still being made, wind turbines will only continue to get more and more efficient which means that you will be able to benefit from improved electricity creation and storage techniques in the years to come.

Just as wind energy can power a child's toy and give great pleasure and it can also be harnessed for larger wind turbines. In order to protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint as well as save some money it only makes sense to fully utilize whatever resources we have available to us.

Instead of spending fortunes to find new pockets of oil and then pump it to the surface and refine it (all of which creates a lot of negative impact on the environment) why not spend time and money finding sources of energy that are free to use, renewable, and friendly to the planet? For these reasons using wind and solar energy just seems like good common sense.

Can I Make My Own Wind Turbine?

After some rough times over the last year there are many people starting to get ahead. The stabilizing of fuel costs has helped, but the threats of the effects of carbon trading and spiraling cost of coal fired electricity seems to hang over everybody. I've been doing my homework and decided that there are some options for me.

This research has shown me two basic approaches, utilise solar panels or the power of the wind using a turbine.

The technology now is advanced enough so that either of these (or both together) are now viable for home use. Neither will get you off the grid, but a panel of solar collectors and a small turbine can generate enough energy to make it a very worthwhile investment.

Buying a turbine isn't usually the best option since the price is rather high, especially if you have to then get it professionally installed. If you go down that route it will take longer to save enough on your bills to get that money back.

However, it is easy to access plans and build your own turbine at a fraction of that cost.You don't need any special skills or tools and all the parts can be found in any hardware store or on ebay. 

For those who build their own turbine they often recoup their investment in just a few months.  If they bought theirs it would take several years, on average.

One turbine will generate about 5 times the electricity as one solar panel.  Wind turbines can run day or night (as long as there is wind) whereas solar panels will only produce electricity during day light hours (as long as it's sunny).

So, after the research I've done I have come to the conclusion that taking the time to build my own wind turbine and get a couple of solar panels covers me best.  It'll be nice knowing that I have some control over my utility costs from now on.

What Are The Advantages Of Wind Power?

We live in a day of information overload. It is a constant struggle to sift through all that seems to be bombarding us on a daily basis. I want to go green and save money, but who do I believe? Are there any real advantages of wind power?

The basic technology of using the wind to run things is not a new concept. Windmills have been around for hundreds of years. In the past we have used wind power to do things like pump water and grind wheat. However, today we have a huge advantage over those old types of windmills, and use this same concept to power modern machines.

These technological advances have made it possible for us to much more efficiently convert wind energy into usable, storable, electricity. Initially these wind turbines were big commercial sized towers that required acres of space. These have now been down sized to the point where units are small enough to be installed in a backyard or on a rooftop.

Modern aerodynamics have also resulted in the development of a wide diversity of shapes as well, with some staying with the traditional windmill shape while others have opted for fluted designs that move around a central spindle.

The technology for capturing and converting the wind power to electrical power has also improved in efficiency and indications are that this will continue as more and more small units come into use.

Even so, today's wind generators can generate up to 50% of the electricity the average household needs, provided that there is enough consistent wind. This can be used as it is generated to run electrical appliances, used to charge up batteries for future use or fed back into the commercial grid. Which ever way you do it, it will add up to a huge savings yearly and for years to come.

So, while one small generator won't be able to generate all the power your home needs it will still be able to generate enough to make it worth the investment. Many have chosen to also diversify into solar power using solar collectors to be able to generate power whenever the sun is shining, which is particularly helpful in those areas where winds may be unpredictable.

To maximise the rate of return on your investment, maybe you should consider building your own generator. It's easy and inexpensive and you'll recoup your money in a few months. There are now a range of designs especially produced for the DIY market, with easy to understand step by step instructions.

Obviously this article cannot tell you everything, but hopefully it will help you better understand the advantages of wind power for your home. The fact is it is possible to be environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.

Cut Energy Bills Now

Every season has its challenges, and every year the utility bills keep rising. Don't be one of those people who talk about changes but never get around to doing anything. As they say, doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity!

The reality is I can't help you earn more money, but I can give you some suggestions about how to cut energy bills. There are many things you can do, some are big, expensive options which will give a high return, while other projects are smaller and easier, but these will give more limited returns.

The best approach is probably to combine both types of projects, starting with the small, and investing the money saved into increasingly bigger projects. That way you get the maximum savings staggered over a longer time period, without the pain of big setup costs.

Some of the smaller projects include adding a programmable thermostat which will help both during summer and winter, caulking around windows and doors, and turning off electrical equipment that is not being used.

These are simple and inexpensive things you can easily do and while they won't save you a great amount these new habits will save you money and teach your family the need to be more responsible with energy use. The key is to channel these savings into bigger projects.

Some of the bigger projects include:

1. Adding insulation to your attic and ceiling space. This will drastically reduce the amount of warm air that is lost during winter and increase the efficiency of your cooling during summer.

2. Replace old, drafty windows and doors with newer energy efficient models. Double glazing is expensive but here are easier and cheaper ways to achieve the same end.

3. Build your own wind turbine. This technology is now available for domestic use and if you get enough wind, saves you heaps. Some sources suggest this can be done for $300 with a few basic skills and a couple of weekends to invest!

Some of the projects on this list may even make you eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500.

The bottom line is this: it doesn't matter if you choose to make big changes or small changes as long as you make changes. By investing some time and a little money you can cut energy bills not only this winter but for many years to come.

Can You Really Build Your Own Wind Generator?

The current debate is all about alternative energy sources. One of the most worrying alternatives is to re-look at nuclear power. I don't know about you but I'd rather put my money on renewable sources of energy and NOT have to worry about accidents and the inevitable waste products! The best for the environment is wind and solar power. It seems that the way is now clear for ordinary people to build and fit your own wind generators and solar cells.

A wind generator is simply a device that converts the energy from the wind into electricity. They come in many different styles from the traditional windmill shape to vertical styles. Some models can be erected in your yard, while others are small enough to fit on your roof.

Solar collectors do the same thing by converting the energy of the sun to electricity, and these too can be fixed to the roof of your house. Another adaption of this is to use the sun to heat water which is then stored till you need it, so that all your hot water costs nothing.

As technology improves these generators (both wind and solar) will be able to convert energy into electricity even more efficiently. As long as you get enough sunlight and/or wind most authorities suggest you can save as much as 80% off of their electric bill. Compound that amount out for years and you can see that the savings will be significant.

The obvious problem is the set up costs. To buy one off the shelf and have it professionally installed would probably force it out of the reach of most people. However, recent changes have resulted in a range of designs and DIY projects which makes it possible for people with a few basic skills and a few weekends to build one for $200 to $300.

The parts you need are readily available in any hardware store. I'm told that they are not hard to build, but, as with anything, it may take a bit more time if you have never done anything like this before. But the ongoing results will be worth it, not just in financial terms but the planet will thank you as well.

Energy Windmills - Can They Really Save Me Money On My Utility Bill?

Saving money is an ongoing challenge, as is saving the planet from damage caused by man. I am always on the lookout for things that I can do that will achieve both. One recent idea I've been looking at is the possibility of using wind mills to generate electricity, which will be good for me financially and good for the environment.

Windmills have been around for a long time and used to do a wide range of things. The newest adaption is to use the wind to drive a wind turbine which converts the energy of the wind into usable power. It can be used as it is produced, stored in batteries or fed back into the commercial power grid, each adaption saving money!

The first wind turbines were huge monsters requiring acres each, but today they come in a range of different sizes and shapes adapted to domestic use. They can be easily mounted on rooftops or free standing in your back yard, it all depends on the prevailing winds and how best to harness it.

There are some drawbacks to keep in mind about this type of energy:

1. One small turbine can't generate all the electricity your home will need. However, it can help you save a considerable percentage of your utility bills, even if it will not get you off the grid.

2. Most places do not have sufficient wind every day of the year so you will still need power on those days from the grid.

3. To buy your own unit off the shelf and get it professionally installed will cost quite a bit of money, making it outside the capacity of most people. However, it is now possible to build your own unit even if you aren't an engineer or carpenter. This will cost two to three hundred dollars, plus a few weekends to put it together.

So, wind turbines are the answer to saving the environment AND saving some of your hard earned cash. What is stopping you?

By minimising your setup costs you can save significant amounts of money this year and for many years to come, and those savings will add up to be thousands of dollars over the next 5 -10 years.

Electricity From Wind - What Do I Need?

As the political debate heats up it seems that there are very few options if we want to stay environmentally sensitive, and save money. Solar and wind energy are the obvious choices. So, if you want to get electricity from wind and save some money, this article is for you.

Using wind power is hardly a new concept. Man has utilized the power of the wind for thousands of years, designing wind mills that do everything from grinding wheat to pumping water.

The difference is that now we have technology that can convert wind energy to electrical energy more efficiently than ever before. We now have the ability to choose whether to store the electricity we create for later use, or feed it back into the commercial grid.

The key to using wind power to generate electricity is the wind turbine. The commercial variety are giant three finned windmills that stretch for kilometers following natural ridge lines to catch the most wind. This technology has now been downsized for domestic use.

The internet offers a wide range of turbines, some free standing while other models fit on your roof. The fact is when you cut down on the size you also cut down on the electricity producing capacity. Another factor that must be appreciated is that some areas do not get enough consistent wind to make it viable.

Most experts suggest that if you get consistent wind you can generate enough electricity from an average sized turbine to at least cut your electricity bill in half. What is more those savings will continue for years to come which means it can really add up to a significant amount of money.

The obvious drawback is the setup costs. An off the shelf turbine IS expensive, especially if you have to get it professionally installed as well. But, you don't have to be a professional to build your own wind turbine. Some simple tools, a good design purchased off the net, and you can get most of the parts at any electrical hardware store for around $300. Then all you need is some time to put it together, with most suggesting that you can do it in a couple of weekends.

Thus, for a relatively small investment of time and money you could build your own wind turbine and save yourself a lot of money while getting electricity from wind and lowering your carbon footprint. How cool is that?

Tips On How To Cut Energy Bills

As the temperatures rise here in Australia, the bush fire risk goes up and so does my power bill. The air conditioning unit seems to stay on almost permanently, the pool pump hums continually and the kids stand in front of the open fridge trying to work out what they want! In the aftermath of the global economic crisis, I am coping but I'm always looking for helpful hints to reign in my electricity costs.

My research tells me there are lots of things I can do. Try these for starters:

1. The pool is a great way to stay cool in summer, but it would be much better if I could use it for longer and it didn't cost me any more. So I'm looking at getting a solar system for heating the water to give me a longer swimming season. Then by using an insulated pool blanket I can reduce the heat loss.

2. Leaks around windows and doors are an issue both in summer and winter. By using some expandable foam and/or caulking compound I can cut down on heat loss during winter, and heat getting in during summer.

3. Water heaters seem to chew up a lot of energy. Consider lowering the temperature on the thermostat and/or increasing the insulation around it so the heat doesn't escape as quickly. Solar hot water services are also a proven way to reduce your bill.

4. My family seems to want the house to stay nice and cool even when they are not in it! The way around this is to use a programmable thermostat so you can choose when to heat and cool your home, so that you are not wasting energy when you are not there.

5. Add insulated curtains or blinds to your windows to regulate the temperature. During winter keep your blinds open during the day to let the sun in and warm things up and close them at night to keep the cold out. During summer do the opposite! Just learning new habits will save you money!

6. Consider acquiring a humidifier. You will find that ultra dry air feels colder than moist air so you can actually turn your thermostat down a little and add moisture and you will still feel comfortable while using less power. But this is not much help during summer.

7. Instead of just trying to minimise use, maybe it is time to think about building your own wind turbine to generate your own electricity. Some sources quote that it only costs $200 to $300, you need just a few basic skills, and it can be done in a couple of weekends. Depending on how much wind you get you can drastically reduce your usage.

8. Another use of solar energy is to use it not just to heat water but also to generate electricity, so that when it is not windy you still have power that can be used straight away or stored in batteries.

So, what is stopping you from starting to do something now to cut your electricity bills? Another bonus: all these measures are good for the environment, so don't put it off any longer.

What Are Wind Turbines?

I looked out my window the other day and saw something different in two of my neighbors yards: wind turbines. Two of my neighbors built and installed their own renewable energy source, I asked them how they did it...

They told me they bought a manual that showed them in easy to follow step by step instructions how to build a turbine for home use. It clearly laid out what materials they would need to buy so they knew just what to ask for when they went to the store.

Basically a turbine is simply a machine that can turn the energy of wind into electricity and then store it for use later or use it immediately. I don't know all the technological ins and outs and you don't need to either.

The total cost was less than $300 and it took just a few days to build. The parts were found right in the local hardware store. They hooked their turbines up to simple batteries so they could save the electricity they create to be used later.

The average savings on the utility bills is around 80%. That will work out to at least several hundred dollars in just a few months, more than enough to recoup the cost of building their turbines in the first place.

One small turbine won't be enough to allow you to go off the grid, but saving 80% on your utility bills, especially when the investment in wind turbines was only a few hundred dollars to begin with, will definitely make it one of the best investments you'll ever make.

So as I sit sipping my coffee and looking at the neighbors windmills spinning happily in the wind, and saving them money, my only question is: when can I start?

Electricity From Wind - This Can Be An Easy DIY Project

Using power from the wind to do things is a fairly ancient concept, because we have been doing it for centuries. However, it is only in recent times that we have developed the technology to convert that power into electricity. We are continuing to make that process more efficient and accessible to ordinary people like us.

The key to this process is called a wind turbine. You've probably seen these monsters in groups in country areas, which are then linked into the commercial electrical power grid. What has changed is that this technology has now been downsized, making it possible (and viable) for homes to have their own turbine and generate power for their own use.

As a result wind turbines can now be acquired in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of these can be mounted in your backyard while others are designed to be installed on your roof. The key is to determine the direction of prevailing winds and the best way to catch it.

The energy savings vary greatly depending on how much wind there is, yet some homeowners claim that their utility bills are reduced by 80%. Even if you only get a reduction of 50% it will still be worth it, and it will continue for as long as your turbine is running.

So, what is the catch? Yes, there are some downsides that you do need to be aware of. For one thing, one small wind turbine won't generate enough electricity to completely supply the needs of your household. This is worse in some geographical areas where the winds are seasonal - so some months they get a lot others a little.

However, if you combine your turbine with other forms of renewable energy like solar energy, you may be able cover some of these gaps.

Of course the next catch is set up costs. If you want to buy a turbine "off the shelf" and have it installed it will cost you...big and it will take a long time to get back your investment. Some authorities quote the cost of a turbine as anywhere from $600 all the way up to $12,000, depending on size and output.

The good news is that it is now possible to build your own. With a few basic skills and tools, and without an engineering degree you can do it for $200 -$300. The parts are readily available at electrical hardware stores and on ebay.

The key is to purchase a manual that will show you in step by step detail how to do it. The time required will depend on the size and complexity of the project yet most say that it will only take a couple of weekends to build.

So get in touch with your ancestors and build your own windmill, and reap the powerful results.

Cut Energy Bills Now With Wind Power And Other Energy Saving Solution

No matter where you live, it seems that one of the constants is growing electricity bills even though incomes remain the same. As I sweated last night with the air conditioner on full and waiting for the hot wind to be replaced by a cooler one, it dawned on me that if I could harness the power of the wind I would be better off all round.

The fact is, to really save on your utility bills, small changes will just not achieve the big reductions we all want. The bigger the change, the bigger the investment and the bigger the payoff. Below is a list of some of the things I have already done to cut my electricity bills, which might give you some ideas.

1. Add insulation to your ceiling. This will give savings all year round, reducing your cooling cost in summer and your heating costs in winter.

2. Another weak spot is around the doors and windows. A tube of silicon sealer to plug those leaks will work wonders.

3. Installing insulated curtains will also reduce your heat loss in winter and keep out the heat in summer, as long as you remember to open and close them at the right time.

4. Just learning new habits like turning off lights, programming your heating and cooling so that you are not using as much energy while you are out.

5. Finally, you could choose to build your own wind turbine and use your own electricity rather than purchase it off the utility company. The price of buying one ready made might be a little steep, but there are ways to do it for $200 to $300 if you are in to DIY projects.

Each of these will help, with the final one making the biggest impact. It might not get you off the grid but it sure will help.

Don't put it off any longer, make some changes today, start with small ones and build up. The more you invest the more you will save, especially if you go into your own energy production business with a wind turbine.

Wind Turbines - Pros and Cons

With any purchases you make, especially the expensive ones, it's important to carefully weigh all the facts before you make a decision. Deciding if you should invest in wind turbines for your home is such a decision.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that harnessing the power of the wind is a great way to generate electricity for next to nothing. The current trend is to downsize this technology for domestic use and installing smaller, home sized units to help cut their utility bills.

If you are looking for ways to cut costs and have wondered if this is the right approach for you, here are some points to take into consideration;

PROS

1. Wind power is free to use (after the expense of the turbine). It will always be around, you don't have to worry about running out of it, though some days there will be more wind than others.

2. There is no pollution associated with converting the energy of wind into electricity, and it does not produce any CO2 emissions.

3. You can easily build your own home sized turbine for less than $300 in just a couple of days. The parts are easy to get, most can be purchased at your local hardware store.

4. Advances in technology have improved the way the energy is converted to electricity as well as the way it's stored. Technology is continuing to advance and the conversion and storage capabilities will only continue to get better.

5. In some areas it is now possible to sell the excess electricity you produce back to the Utility company grid which will further reduce your bill.


CONS

1. If you decide you can't build it yourself, a wind turbine is very expensive to buy.

2. If you buy a wind turbine already assembled, it will take you a long time to recoup your investment. The alternative is to build one yourself.

3. One turbine won't be enough to generate all the electricity your home will need to run your appliances on a daily basis.

4. Some areas do not have enough windy days to make it worth it. So you will need to check this out before you purchase one or build your own.

I hope this short list outlining the pros and cons of building your own wind turbine has made things a little clearer for you. Now that you've taken this first step, learn all you can about wind turbines and other green sources of alternative energy.

Should You Build A Wind Turbine For Your Home?

If you are one of the millions of people who are concerned both for the environment as well as your families finances then maybe I have some good news for you. The newest and best answer to both is to build your own wind turbine.

People have been harnessing the power of the wind for centuries and using it to help grind their wheat or pump water. It is free energy, all you have to do is work out how to harness it and use it to do other things like generate electricity.

Of course we have made significant technological advances in the last several decades and now we are able to get the maximum benefit from the energy of the wind by using the wind to drive giant turbines which produce electricity. You've no doubt seen the huge wind farms scattered across the country, which add an increasing amount of energy to the power grid.

The next step has been to take that same technology and downsize it, for your home domestic use. Maybe you have neighbors who cashed in on this and have recently installed their own turbines, right on their roofs. In some areas they are seeing savings of up to 80% off of their utility bills.

You can choose to build your own for a few hundred dollars, with most parts available at the local hardware store or on ebay, or pay considerably more to buy one already assembled, however the latter type of investment would take a long time to recoup.

The reality is one turbine will not supply all the electricity your home needs, but it may supply up to about 60% of it, depending on your climate. On windy days you are able to generate more than on calm days, and it is still difficult to store, but battery technology is improving as well.

Maybe you could make it a family project, learn some new skills, save some money, and help teach your kids the importance of taking care of the planet, and it's a neat conversation topic.

If you are interested in building your own wind turbine to help save you and your family money on your electric bills just remember that you can do it all yourself in just a few days for only a couple hundred dollars. It's definitely worth it, don't you think?

Use Wind Power To Go Green And Save Green

Wind power has been used for centuries to grind grain and pump water, and now it is becoming a very popular source of renewable, environmentally friendly energy. Many industrialized countries are starting to incorporate wind turbine technologies in their energy generation strategies. The good news is that it has now been adapted so that you can use the wind for your home energy needs too.

We all know that using our 'traditional' fossil fuel energy sources are not good for the environment. They pollute, are costly to refine, and are running low, or at least we have to go to greater depths and harsher climates to gain access to them. The fact is when they are gone, they are gone.

Wind, on the other hand, is everywhere. Much work has been done over the last couple of years to perfect our wind gathering technologies so that we now have better ways of converting wind into electricity as well as better methods of storing the power for later use. In the light of growing shortages of fossil fuels this is the obvious direction we should be heading.

But how can you use the new wind energy technologies to save money on your electric bill? Simple, you can build your own, and fit it in your backyard, or on your rooftop, and reap the savings that wind turbine technology can give you.

The truth is that there are now wind turbines made especially for home use, they are small and can be mounted in the backyard or on a roof. You can buy one for anywhere from $600-$12,000 or you can build your own for around $200 with parts from your local hardware store.

If you live in a windy area you will be able to generate up to 60% of your home electricity needs from one wind turbine. That is a significant savings especially when you figure that you can continue to save that amount indefinitely, as long as your turbine is up and running.

Building, or buying, your own wind turbine for home use is a great way to go green and help the planet as well as provide you with significant savings. Don't wait any longer, start getting organised today to utilise wind power, you'll be really glad you did the next time you get your utility bill in the mail.

How Much Will It Cost To Build Your Own Wind Turbine?

In the Australian context the idea of having your own wind turbine is only just catching on. Then there are those who have considered having one installed in their yard but have been scared off by the cost. After all, how many years will it take to save enough on your energy bills to recoup the investment of the turbine?

With the prices of turbines running from between $600 and $10,000 it will take a long time to get that investment back, even if it is good for the environment! If there is a possibility that you might be moving in a year or two that type of investment probably wouldn't make much sense.

If, however, you are planning to live in your home for the rest of your life then you might consider it money well spent. You will have a lot of time to get back your initial investment, and know that you are doing your bit to help the world.

It is important to be realistic about how much electricity your turbine will actually be able to produce. The fact is you won't be able to completely cut your electricity company out of your life, but you can realistically see savings of up to 80% on your monthly bills.

If spending $600 to $10,000 is simply too much for your budget at this point, you don't need to give up. The truth is that many homeowners are building their own wind turbines for only a few hundred dollars.

The parts can be found in any hardware store and the whole building process won't take more than a few days. With such a small investment you will be able to re-coup that in only a few months.

Using the wind to generate power is not a new concept, windmills that have been around for centuries. If you think that it's time you got in on the action and want to have your own wind turbine you've picked a great time. Buy one or build your own and start saving money today and for years to come.