Most people only think of wind power as large-scale electricity generating projects- wind farms. But, smaller scale options are available for the average family home. Home wind power is a viable option for those living in geographic areas with an average annual wind speed of at least 10 mps (4.5 m/s).
Those individuals living along coastal areas and within the mid continental planes are the most likely to have the necessary wind speeds to make home wind energy production a viable and sustainable option. In the United States, the ten most windiest states are North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Home wind turbines are an effective way to harness the sustainable energy of the wind in a scaled-down system to comply with residential structural codes and noise ordnances. In most cases, electrical power generated solely through residential wind power systems is unable to consistently power an average home and home wind power should be supplemented by solar energy and use of the local electrical grid. Battery banks can also be used to store wind and solar energy to increase residential self sufficiency.
The type of wind turbine to use is an important consideration. Two main types of turbines are available: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) are the propeller type and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) are the “egg-beater” style.
Horizontal axis wind turbines are best used in areas where tall towers can be erected but these are also very expensive. Vertical axis turbines are more difficult to install and are better suited to roof or ground placement; however, being lower to the ground means that the lower quality wind will be captured and there will be less power output. Because of the lower efficiency of the vertical axis wind turbines the most common type of wind power generator is the horizontal axis; however, as more and more homeowners start to invest in wind power the use of horizontal axis wind turbines will likely be seen as the more economical choice.
The total cost of initially establishing a home wind power system should also be taken into consideration. Costs can vary widely depending on the type of system installed and if the homeowners can build and install the system themselves. Systems can be built by do-it-yourself method for about $300; commercial systems range between $700 and $15,000. Available tax credits should also be investigated. Some governments provide tax incentives or rebates for investment into green energy systems.