Today, the Wall Street Journal published an interesting article about using wind energy in your own home to reduce your home energy bill. (You’ll need to be a registered user to read the article on-line, though). If you’re thinking that installing a wind turbine in your home is going to kill hundreds of songbirds or keep your neighbors up all night long, not to fear. Here is what the article has to say about these special wind turbines that are designed for home use:
While wind energy is commonly associated with massive turbines churning in desolate, windy areas, a new generation of smaller systems made for areas with moderate wind is hitting the market. The latest small turbines, which resemble a ship propeller on a pole, have three blades, are up to 24 feet in diameter and are usually perched on stand-alone towers between 35 and 140 feet high. The systems have the potential to save consumers between 30% and 90% on their electric bills, manufacturers say, and promise to make no more noise than an air conditioner.
Although the WSJ reports that the small turbines are nice and quiet, the article warns that they may provide a slight visual disturbance for your neighbors. Additionally, some cities are disputing zoning issues related to home wind power. (Well, we’ve gotten pretty used to cell phone towers!) Another issue is cost. These systems aren’t cheap, for now. Prices start at around $8,000.00 for a basic system, and top out at around $90,000 for a top line wind turbine.
Regardless of the issues and controversies, it looks like home wind power is starting to gain some respect and hopefully with time these systems will get cheaper. Look for companies like Southwest Windpower, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, to lead the way.
