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Small Wind Energy Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there Federal Tax Credits Available? (opens in new window)
- Who should consider buying a wind turbine?
- How would I have a wind turbine installed at my home?
- What size turbine do I need for my home?
- How much does a wind system cost?
- How does the cost of a small wind system compare to that of other technologies?
- Will a small wind turbine save me money?
- Are there any rebate or incentive programs available where I live?
- How do wind turbines perform as an investment?
- Don't I have to take wind measurements for a year or more?
- What policies can help grow the market for small wind turbines?
- How many turbines are needed to power a household or farm?
- Is there anything I should watch out for when buying a small wind turbine?
- How reliable are wind turbines? Will I have to perform much maintenance?
- What impact will a small wind turbine have on neighboring property values?
- Will my utility allow me to hook up a wind generator?
- Will my local government allow me to install a wind turbine?
- Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?
- How do residential wind turbines work?
- I've heard about a new small wind turbine that starts up and runs at very low wind speeds. Is that a new idea?
- Aren't wind turbines too "high-tech" for regular people?
- Will it help the environment if I install a wind turbine at my home?
- Do wind turbines make noise or interfere with TV reception?
- Do small wind turbines kill birds?
- Are small wind turbines safe?
Who should consider buying a wind turbine?
A residential wind turbine can be a relatively large device, needs to be high above nearby buildings and mature tree lines, and often must abide by zoning laws. This means small wind systems are very seldom, if ever, suitable for urban or small-lot suburban applications. Except for very small wind turbines (i.e., with rotors one meter or less in diameter) on very small towers, a property size of one acre or more is desirable.
The economics of a wind system are very sensitive to the average wind speed in the area, and to a lesser extent, the cost of purchasing electricity. As a general rule of thumb, if economics are a concern, a turbine owner should have at least a 5mph average wind speed and be paying at least 10 cents/kWh for electricity.
Residential wind turbines have been installed in all 50 states, but the majority have been installed in the West, Northeast, and Midwest where good wind resources often combine with good state incentive programs.
How would I have a wind turbine installed at my home?
Planet Turbine.com offers either a complete turnkey (ready-to-operate) installation or the option for customers to purchase directly from our Company to install the system themselves. The first option offers more customer support from the company and the installation process is completed from A-Z including the building permit, Free site Assessment Fee (valued at $400) interconnect contract with local utility company and Free 6 month equipment check.
Self-installation offers significant savings and a hands-on understanding of the turbine. Prospective owners can discuss the options available with manufacturers to decide which method best suits their budget and technical skills.
Approach buying the equipment as you would any major purchase. You will need to weigh costs and various degrees of ruggedness/durability of designs. Obtain and review the product literature from several manufacturers, and research those you want to pursue to ensure they are recognized businesses and their parts and service will be available when you need them. Find out how long the warranty lasts and what it includes, and ask for references of customers with installations similar to the one you are considering.
What size turbine do I need for my home?
Homes use approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year (about 830 kWh per month), though this amount can vary considerably. An air-conditioned home in Arizona , for example, will use more electricity than a non-air - conditioned home in Vermont. Depending upon the average wind speed in the area, a wind turbine rated in the range of 5 to 10 kilowatts would be required to make a significant contribution to meet this demand.
How much does a wind system cost?
Small wind energy systems cost from $3,000 to $6,000 for every kilowatt of generating capacity, or about $40,000 for a system (installed) large enough to power most of a home.
This is much cheaper than solar systems, but the payback period can still be lengthy, as little as 6 but up 15 years. That's why it's important to take advantage of rebates or tax credits available for small wind system installations. Well-sited small wind turbines can usually pay for themselves within 15 years, about half their serviceable lifetimes, if the right incentives are applied.
How does the cost of a small wind system compare to that of other technologies?
Small wind turbines (with generating capacities of 100 kilowatts and under) are often the least expensive way to generate clean, on-site electricity.
A study by the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment found wind to be cheaper for meeting remote loads (loads not connected to a utility system) than diesel generators, solar photovoltaic, or utility transmission line extensions. (Micro-hydro also was found to be less expensive in many locations.)
Hybrid systems of wind/photovoltaic, wind/diesel, and other combinations can often provide the most efficient and cost-effective option for rural electrification. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, are often used to supplement wind power since PV tends to operate best in seasons when the wind is more calm. Diesel generators or batteries can be used for backup power and to maintain power production during low wind seasons.
One study of an Arctic community with annual average wind speeds of 15 mph compared the cost of a 500-kW diesel system to that of a 200-kW diesel generator and four mid-sized wind turbines. It found that the wind/diesel combination cost considerably more to install ($378,000 versus $125,000), but would deliver fuel savings of $90,000 per year, paying for itself in less than three years.*
Will a small wind turbine save me money?
A wind turbine typically lowers a household electricity bill by 50% to 100%.. It is not uncommon for wind turbine owners with total-electric homes to have monthly utility bills of only $8 to $15 for nine months of the year. Depending on the turbine size and the installation site, a turbine could supply more than 100% of a home's energy needs, sometimes resulting in a negative electric utility bill. In northern parts of the U.S. where less air conditioning is used, electricity bills can be very low year-round. The amount of money a small wind turbine saves you in the long run will depend upon its cost, the amount of electricity you use, the average wind speed at your site, and other factors.
Since energy conservation is usually less expensive than energy production, making your house or farm more energy-efficient first will likely reduce the amount of investment in a wind system to meet your needs.
Are there any rebate or incentive programs available where I live?
For the most up-to-date listing of incentives, policies, and regulations at the state and federal levels, see the Database of State Incentives for Renewables. At this time, most government incentives have been placed on "hold" due to the economy restructuring, but all State & Federal tax-credits remain in place.
How do wind turbines perform as an investment?
The wind system will usually recoup its investment through utility savings within six to 12 years and after that the electricity it produces will be virtually free. Over the long term, a wind turbine is a good investment because a well-sited wind system increases property value, similar to any other home improvement. Many people buy wind systems in preparation for their retirement because they don't want to be subject to unpredictable increases in utility rates. This amounts to the equivalent of pre-paying for your utilities for the next 25-30 years.
Don't I have to take wind measurements for a year or more?
No- For most residential systems the cost of taking wind measurements is not justified. Wind resource data published by the U.S. Department of Energy is sufficient for an experienced evaluator to predict wind turbine performance. There are also other inexpensive or free resources available to the public that can help you evaluate your wind resource. In very hilly or mountainous areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your site is not in a sheltered area.
What policies can help grow the market for small wind turbines?
A substantial up-front tax credit or rebate for consumers is the single most effective policy that states have used to help homeowners and small businesses purchase small wind systems. Demand for small turbines is high, but costs are often prohibitive. Such incentive programs are often funded by a very small "system benefits charge" on every kilowatt-hour of electricity that is delivered by utilities in a state (funding from the charge is usually used for a variety of measures to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources).
On October 3, 2008 the federal government enacted an investment (up-front) tax credit, available through December 31, 2016, to help consumers purchase small wind systems. See www.awea.org/legislative or http://dsireusa.org for details
Other policies that can help Small Wind are: streamlined zoning and permitting processes, net metering policies, standardized grid-interconnection regulations, and the (upcoming) formation of a certification process to verify the performance, safety, and durability of small wind systems.
How many turbines are needed to power a household or farm?
For a home or farm, one turbine with a power rating of anywhere from 1kW to 25kW is normally installed. The turbine's size is chosen to meet the energy requirements given the available wind resource. Buying multiple turbines for one application rather than a single larger one is almost always less economical because of the cost of buying two separate towers and installing two separate systems.
For village electrification applications, both single and multiple turbine installations are common, and turbines up to 100 kW in capacity may be used.
Is there anything I should watch out for when buying a small wind turbine?
"If it seems too good to be true, it probably is" are words to keep in mind when shopping for a small wind turbine. Over the years, a steady stream of "breakthrough" wind turbines has promised exceptional performance at an incredibly low price. Many companies on the internet, do not include installation, or service so buyer beware! Planet Turbine takes your pain away- we will take care of everything needed so you don't have to.
How reliable are wind turbines? Will I have to perform much maintenance?
Most small turbines have only 2-3 moving parts and are designed for a long life (20 - 30 years). However, as with any other hard-working machine, parts must be maintained and occasionally repaired. The average residential-sized wind turbine will put on as many "miles" in just four months as the average car does in its 100,000-mile lifetime. No responsible automobile owner would expect their car to perform for such an extended period of time with no tune-ups or oil changes, let alone without maintenance.
What impact will a small wind turbine have on neighboring property values?
Evidence indicates that the presence of wind turbines increases neighboring property values. No study has ever (as of 1/2009) concluded that wind turbines neither large nor small have had a depressing effect on nearby residential property values. A recent survey found that most people are interested in or willing to pay more for homes equipped with solar panels or wind turbines. Furthermore, a May 2003 study by the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP), The Effect of Wind Development on Local Property Values, finds that for the great majority of projects the property values actually rose more quickly in the view shed than they did in the comparable community. Moreover, values increased faster in the view shed after the projects came online than they did before..
Will my utility allow me to hook up a wind generator?
Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require utilities to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy systems. A wind turbine manufacturer should be able to help arrange the required utility company approvals. Planet Turbine will go the extra mile to get this done for you as part of our commitment to your full service.
Will my local government allow me to install a wind turbine?
A wind turbine is a tall structure that normally requires a building permit. Zoning regulations often limit the height, placement, and other characteristics of "appurtenant" structures, so a conditional (special) use permit or variance may be necessary. It's usually best to let your neighbors know about your installation ahead of time. Step #1 is the Building Permit from your local Zoning board. Planet Turbine will take care of that for you
Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?
No. A wind turbine can easily be installed at virtually any existing home without the need to change any wiring or appliances. In most cases, the utility will install a second utility meter to measure how much surplus electricity it is receiving from the turbine owner.
How do residential wind turbines work?
A wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects kinetic (motion) energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home's electrical system.
In a normal residential application, a home is served simultaneously by the wind turbine and a local utility. If the wind speeds are below cut-in speed (4-8 mph) the minimum speed to spin the blades - there will be no output from the turbine and all of the needed power is purchased from the utility. As wind speeds increase, turbine output increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased. When the turbine produces more power than the house needs, many utilities institute a policy called "net metering" whereby the extra electricity is sold back to the utility. All of this is done automatically. There are no batteries in a modern, grid-connected residential wind system. Planet Turbine will secure the interconnection contract with your local utility company as part of our installation service Small wind systems for remote (off-grid) applications operate somewhat differently and often charge batteries so electricity is available when the wind isn't blowing.
I've heard about a new small wind turbine that starts up and runs at very low wind speeds. Is that a new idea?
No. Many inventors have developed turbines that run at low wind speeds. But because the energy available in the wind is a function of the cube of its speed, there is very little energy available to be harvested at wind speeds less than 4 meters per second (m/s) (9 mph). If you are considering the purchase of a small wind turbine, the ability to run at low wind speeds should not be an important factor in selecting a machine. Our turbines have the ability to run at a minimum of 4.4 mph.
Aren't wind turbines too "high-tech" for regular people?
The high technology of a wind turbine is in just a few manufactured components such as the blades. A wind turbine can actually be much simpler than a diesel engine, and also require substantially less attention and maintenance. Some types of small turbines can operate for extended periods, five years or more, without any attention. With training and spare parts, local users can support the wind turbine equipment they use. You do not need to be "high tech" because we are at Planet Turbine.
Will it help the environment if I install a wind turbine at my home?
Yes. Wind turbines produce no air, water, or thermal pollution and emit no greenhouse or smog-causing gases. By using wind power you will also be offsetting pollution that would have been generated by your utility company. Over its life, a small residential wind turbine can offset approximately 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gas pollutants (carbon dioxide and other gases which cause global warming).
Do wind turbines make noise or interfere with TV reception?
Small wind turbines do make some noise, but not enough to be found objectionable by most people. A typical residential wind system makes less noise than the average washing machine. Small wind turbines do not interfere with TV reception.
Do small wind turbines kill birds?
While no such studies have been performed specifically for small wind turbines, anecdotal evidence indicates that birds occasionally collide with small wind turbines as they do with any other type of structure. However, such events are rare and very unlikely to have any impact on bird populations. Large, utility-scale wind turbines account for less than 0. 0 03% of all human-caused bird deaths, and small wind turbines have even less of an impact. House cats in the U.S., by contrast, are estimated to kill roughly one billion birds each year. Statistically, a single house cat, a window pane, or an automobile is a much greater threat to birds than a wind turbine of any size.
Are small wind turbines safe?
Yes. However, neighbors who are uneasy about a nearby homeowner installing a small wind turbine may raise all sorts of questions about safety. Safety of utility repair personnel during a power outage is our main concern. Our small wind turbine systems shut down automatically in the event of a power outage to protect utility workers, and will not energize a dead power line.
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