Affordable wind energy for a home?

Question

Affordable wind energy for a home?

Answer 1

I've done alot of research on wind energy as well as sold a lot of equipment for wind power in the last 20 years.  You need to check the wind charts for the area you live.  Even though it appears that the wind blows all day every day in some areas, the wind charts will give you an idea of the economics of wind generation.  Honestly, there is quite a bit of cost and the recovery cost can take years.  Minimum outlay of $30,000.00

Good Luck

Answer 2

Look into PacWind.  This company make Vertical Axis Wind turbines.  They operate at as little as 5mph winds, safe in up to 100 mph winds, are bird friendly, scalable, and maintenance free.  They also don't vibrate the way a typical wind turbine will, which means you can attach it to your home/garage/etc. without causing damage to the structure.

You can find an article about Jay Leno having these installed at his garage below.

Answer 3

Go to:

http://www.bergey.com/

They are recommended for isolated places with no other source of energy.

Including the batteries, electrical, windmill tower, etc. it gets expensive quickly.

Answer 4

Check out this directory for 13 different small residential wind turbines: http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/ca...

Some of the manufacturers listed include Bergey, Abundant Renewable Energy, Wind Turbine Industries, and Motorwind.

You might also be interested in this thread about Home Power's 2007 Wind Turbine's Buyer's Guide: http://greenhome.huddler.com/forum/threa...

Answer 5

Fly a kite in a thunder storm and you will get energized.