Residential wind turbines have really improved over the last decade. It’s now possible to generate more energy from less wind than ever before, and the new residential wind turbine designs do just this. The sheer variety of sizes and styles of residential wind turbines now available means that interested homeowners are sure to find a unit to meet their requirements.
Benefits
Everlasting energy
We’ll never run out of wind (though the same can’t be said about some other energy sources). As long as we do what it takes to harness it, the wind will keep on giving us energy. Fossil fuels can’t make that claim. Non-renewable energy sources including oil, coal and natural gas are just that – non-renewable. As difficult as it may be to imagine, we will eventually run out of those things. Dwindling supplies mean rising prices, and the limitless nature of wind means that its price is constant, and therefore more and more attractive by comparison.
Energy without the bills
You don’t need to pay as you go for wind energy, which certainly isn’t the case with non-renewable energy sources. The sole cost associated is that which comes from installing a wind generator; once you’ve done that, wind power is completely free. It really is possible to go “off the grid” and provide all of your own energy with a residential wind turbine, meaning that you won’t have to pay an electric bill again.
No emissions
Wind energy doesn’t produce CO2 or pollute in any way. The same can’t be said of non-renewable energy sources like oil and coal, which represent a serious threat to the environment if they continue to be used in the same quantities. You can reduce your carbon footprint significantly by using wind energy instead.
Forget about foreign oil
Dependence on foreign oil is a serious issue that affects us not just individually, but as a country. Electricity produced by wind turbines directly replaces energy that comes from foreign oil, and therefore it can have a significant effect in terms of lowering dependence.
Energy 24/7
One of the advantages that wind energy has over solar power is that it can generate electricity for the home at any time regardless of weather conditions. Solar panels, conversely, only produce electricity when the sun is shining. Therefore, with solar panels, it’s probable that you’ll still have to pay for electricity from a power company. Wind energy doesn’t have the same restrictions.
Any home configuration works
Solar power systems are limited by the fact that they require significant sun exposure in order to operate at peak efficiency. This means that solar panels aren’t a good choice for homes that have too much shade, or where the roof isn’t aligned appropriately. A wind turbine will generate power regardless of any of these variables. Wind generators are also more efficient in terms of use of space than solar panels are.
Drawbacks
Startup cost
Make no mistake: a wind generator is a serious investment. This cost is more than offset by the savings that come from switching to wind energy over the long term. It’s actually possible to build your own wind generator, and this will help reduce that startup cost. For more information, check out Wind Generator Plans.
Height requirement
If you’re using a larger type of wind turbine, you’ll need to be sure that it’s mounted high enough to catch a strong and consistent wind. Depending on the surrounding tree line and buildings, this can be very high. This means that, in many cases, users mount wind generators on top of towers or other tall structures. If so, it’s usually necessary to obtain HOA approvals or permits, which will create some further up-front cost. Building your own  homemade wind generator  may help with the costs.
Wind needed
Consistent wind is needed in order to produce a truly significant amount of energy from a wind generator. Of course, the more wind, the better. This means that wind power can be generated most effectively in locations with relatively few buildings or trees. Even though you can deal with these difficulties by using a tower, it is most efficient to generate wind power in areas without these problems. One of the guides mentioned above will tell you  how to build a wind turbine.
These are the advantages and disadvantages of wind power. A growing number of homeowners are deciding that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Even in terms of renewable energy sources, wind energy has its own distinct strong points. Where solar power may falter somewhat, wind power truly shines. The initial expense is the only problem that both solar and wind power face. If you can build your own wind turbine, though, even this obstacle can be largely eliminated.
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