Steven C. Jones asked:
Not everyone lives in a sunshine state so for a lot of people it makes more sense to invest in wind power than solar power. We are all familiar with large windmills scattered across the country. Wind turbines convert the power of the wind into electricity.
They are sometimes controversial because of the visual pollution to our landscapes and the danger to wildlife, like migrating birds and bats. Others admire the beauty of the modern designs. Whatever the pros and cons, it is in everybody’s interest to produce clean power and contribute to the reduction of global warming.
Some countries have started to build huge wind farm at sea. The Dutch government for example is investing billions of euros in these coastal wind farms to avoid using more polluting power plants. But how could you do this on a small scale? Solar panels on the roof are quite a common site but how about a windmill?
Lately some innovative designs allow you to generate your own wind energy even if you don’t have a large plot of land. The larger mast mounted systems are free standing in the garden and are quite high. They can generate between 2.5 kW and 6 kW.
Small wind turbines that can be mounted on the roof of your house and produce 1 kW to 2 kW. They will be approved more easily by your local government. These small systems are known as “micro-wind” or “small-wind” turbines. They are sufficient to power electrical appliances and lights in a typical home.
Mounting a wind turbine is also cheaper than the installation of solar panels. But because wind, just as sunshine, is not guaranteed every day of the year it is best to have a good mix of energy sources. Unused electricity can also be stored in batteries for later use when there is no wind (or sunshine).
For a lot of families it is now possible to produce 50 to 100% of their energy needs, especially if solar and wind power are combined. If you produce more electricity than you need for your household consumption, you can sell the surplus to the utility company.
Wind energy has many benefits.
Most locations have plenty of wind available. Using renewable energy will cut your carbon footprint. Once you have paid for the initial installation, your electricity is free. You can store excess energy or sell it to an electricity supply company.
Caffeinated Content
Not everyone lives in a sunshine state so for a lot of people it makes more sense to invest in wind power than solar power. We are all familiar with large windmills scattered across the country. Wind turbines convert the power of the wind into electricity.
They are sometimes controversial because of the visual pollution to our landscapes and the danger to wildlife, like migrating birds and bats. Others admire the beauty of the modern designs. Whatever the pros and cons, it is in everybody’s interest to produce clean power and contribute to the reduction of global warming.
Some countries have started to build huge wind farm at sea. The Dutch government for example is investing billions of euros in these coastal wind farms to avoid using more polluting power plants. But how could you do this on a small scale? Solar panels on the roof are quite a common site but how about a windmill?
Lately some innovative designs allow you to generate your own wind energy even if you don’t have a large plot of land. The larger mast mounted systems are free standing in the garden and are quite high. They can generate between 2.5 kW and 6 kW.
Small wind turbines that can be mounted on the roof of your house and produce 1 kW to 2 kW. They will be approved more easily by your local government. These small systems are known as “micro-wind” or “small-wind” turbines. They are sufficient to power electrical appliances and lights in a typical home.
Mounting a wind turbine is also cheaper than the installation of solar panels. But because wind, just as sunshine, is not guaranteed every day of the year it is best to have a good mix of energy sources. Unused electricity can also be stored in batteries for later use when there is no wind (or sunshine).
For a lot of families it is now possible to produce 50 to 100% of their energy needs, especially if solar and wind power are combined. If you produce more electricity than you need for your household consumption, you can sell the surplus to the utility company.
Wind energy has many benefits.
Most locations have plenty of wind available. Using renewable energy will cut your carbon footprint. Once you have paid for the initial installation, your electricity is free. You can store excess energy or sell it to an electricity supply company.
Caffeinated Content