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Wind Power Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Overview of Energy Supply and Demand
We all need energy to live, and in the modern world we depend on it for everything from powering our cars to running our i-Pods. We are also aware of the need to save energy, which not only saves us money, but is also good for the environment. The threat of global warming and health risks associated with emissions from burning fossil fuels are other important reasons to reduce our demand on energy.

Turning off lights and reducing car trips are simple things we can all do to reduce our demand on energy. Those who wish to invest a little more in energy conservation can replace light bulbs with compact fluorescents. The next step is to buy new energy efficient appliances and then perhaps even a hybrid car. But no matter how hard we try or how much we are willing to spend, we can never reduce our energy demand to zero.

So what can someone do if they wish to further reduce their personal demand on fossil fuels or their "carbon footprint," short of cutting themselves off from the modern world? The answer is to offset energy demand by investing in a personal alternative energy system. Although relatively expensive compared to reducing energy demand, an alternative energy system can be the most effective and rewarding way to personally minimize your contribution to harmful pollutants in our atmosphere. Produce your own power!

Alternative Energy Choices
The most common, effective and practical technologies available today for producing your own personal electricity from alternative sources are solar panels and wind turbines. Systems exist today that meld seamlessly with your current electric supply allowing you to live comfortably just as you do today while you use clean, renewable power from the free and abundant sources of sun or wind.

Of these two renewable sources - sun and wind - wind power is typically more cost effective. Based on energy production capacity, a modern wind turbine is several times more cost-effective than solar photovoltaics. However, there are several factors you need to assess first to decide whether wind power is right for you.

Step 1: Determining if Wind Power Will Work For You
Your choice of wind power will depend on several factors.

A: Do you have enough wind where you live?
Wind maps are available to help you determine this. If you happen to live near a large-scale wind farm then you can be sure your wind resource is sufficient.

To evaluate your site's wind resource no matter where you live in North America - check out this excellent Wind Resource Map.

B: Do you have the space for a wind turbine?
While a wind turbine tower itself has a relatively small footprint, they are not intended to be placed too close to buildings. Wind turbines should never be installed on rooftops or attached to buildings. Typically a tower of 80-feet or taller is required to reach above trees and other obstructions to catch the best wind. If the tower tilts down - which is a recommended means for maintenance - sufficient space is required to do this. Therefore, you should have land of at least an acre in size.

C: Does your local municipal government and utility support wind power and are you living in area that is zoned for a wind turbine?
Local zoning allows you to install a turbine on a tall tower, and this ensures that you are abiding by whether your neighbors will object.

Providing you have the wind, space and permission to install a wind turbine, wind energy will provide you with the most cost-effective alternative energy source you can buy.

Step 2: Choosing a Wind Turbine
Once you decide that wind is right for you, you need to shop for the right turbine for your needs. This can get tricky.

A: Understand your energy demands.
Review your recent electric bills to assess how much energy you use - in the top right hand corner of your energy bill it will provide you with the month usage in kWh and the associated costs of each kWh.

B: Understand both your monthly and annual energy demand then you can begin your search for a wind turbine that produces what you need. The closer you can match the turbine energy output to your demand, the more cost-effective the system will be.

C: When you are reviewing various wind turbine products - beware of manufacturers power production numbers or power curves.
Unfortunately there are some manufacturers in the small wind turbine industry that tend to mislead customers and will often inflate energy production number for their products. Be sure to ask for third-party data or independent testimonials before committing to a particular system.

D: Safety Considerations in a Small Wind Turbine
Most small wind turbines today have an excellent safety record. An important factor is to consider how does your wind turbine controls itself and shuts itself down. Can you shut it off and stop the turbine when you want or need to do so? This is extremely important, and unfortunately there are very few small turbines that have reliable means to stop the rotor on command. The few that do may require you to do so from the base of the tower - not exactly where you want to be if the turbine is out of control in a wind storm. Look for a system that offers one or more means to shut down and preferably stop the rotor from the comfort of your home.

E: Manufacturerss warranty and Life Expectancy along with annual servicing and maintenance schedule should be reviewed.
What kind of tower are you installing the turbine on and is it accessible for the periodic maintenance that is required? Are any of the components at ground level or are all the key components at the top of the turbine? If they are at the top of the turbine, then make sure you have a tilt able tower. Ideally a portion of the components are a ground level.

F: Is the wind turbine a direct connect system without inverter, or does the wind turbine require an inverter to convert the power generated from the wind turbine to make it compatible with the GRID and your power company's energy supply. You can lose up to 30% of your power being produced when you have to convert the energy into grid compatible electricity. Review the features and equipment the manufacturer needs to install in order to make your wind turbine Grid Compatible.

G: Make sure that you have all your costs listed to give you a total cost of ownership for your wind turbine. This includes the wind turbine, tilt able tower (what is the height of the tower) minimum tower heights should start at least 60 Ft and go up from there. Other costs include installation, concrete footing, guy wires and cabling.

Step 3: Rebate and Incentive Programs
Once you have decided on the wind turbine that is most appropriate for your location and requirements, look into the Federal and State incentive programs that are available for alternative energy. There are lucrative small business, agricultural and residential rebate programs available. With a little research as much as 80% of your Wind Turbine can be paid for from various programs that are available.

For a detailed look into State and Federal Incentive programs visit the Database of State Incentive for Renewables and Efficiency. DSIRE is a detailed information resource on state, local, utility, and federal incentives for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Step 4: Contact Endurance Wind Power
For more information, please fill out the Endurance Wind Turbine Request Form.

By doing your homework, your wind turbine choice should provide you with a rewarding experience as well as clean, renewable power for many years.

© 2008, Endurance Windpower.
www.endurancewindpowerinc.com

Wind Power Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
Posted by Endurance Windpower on Tuesday, September 25, 2007


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