Building a wind power system is more like deciding to build a garage than it is to say, choosing to plant grass. Wind power systems are less flexible than solar power systems. They require more forethought, more careful installation, and are a bit less forgiving. However, like the garage, they are also durable, consistent, and effective. They can become a brilliantly low-maintenance piece of your green power system. It is just worth realizing that you must do your homework.
Preparing to Build a Wind Turbine
What issues need to be dealt with when considering whether to install a wind turbine?
- Location
- Your actual energy use
- Energy production of the wind turbine
- Durability
- Governing Systems
- Additional necessary components
- Cost
I will give location its own section, but consider this. Before you select the biggest and best wind system you can find, its worth knowing if you need it. The easiest way to do this is to check your electric bill. It will tell you how many killowatt hours (kWh) you’re being charged for. Each turbine’s sales information will say how much energy it can produce under different conditions.
A second key feature to look at is durability. A wind turbine can easily last 20 years, and if you live in an area with a lot of wind, then you’ve just made an investment that may last several decades. In addition, many of those wind turbines last that long with little maintenance (mind you- not NO maintenance, but relatively little).
One other key feature is the governing system. If the wind turbine spins too quickly it can damage the turbine, the batteries, or anything downstream in your power system. Thus, all turbines should have a governing system, meaning a system that turns them off at a certain point. It is worth knowing how this works. Generally, a mechanical system that turns the blades is better in the long run. It saves on wear and tear. But it is also more expensive. Other systems are based on disconnecting from the power system. This isn’t as good for longevity, but it may be significantly cheaper.
Locating your Wind Turbine
Location is obviously the most key piece when creating wind power.
One quick note. A lot of manufacturers are coming out with “micro-wind” power systems. These are usually roof- mounted power. The truth is that these systems are unlikely to create the kind of power they say they will. There simply is not the kind of wind on a roof necessary to turn a big blade.
When considering location then, consider a set of things. First, the rule of thumb is to ensure that lowest point of a moving blade on a wind tower should be at least 30 feet above anything within 500 feet. Another good rule of thumb is, the taller the better.
This leads to another avenue of research- finding the right tower. Towers are usually rated for a certain size turbine and height. It is also usually the most expensive part of building a wind system, but is absolutely necessary. Due to this, it is usually better to do your homework, find the best site for your wind tower, and only build one. Unlike solar power, the need for large towers does not lend itself easily to an expanding system.
Wind Power Summary
The downside of wind power is that it is much less flexible than solar power and more expensive. The upside is that when it’s built, it’s a permanent structure that tends to provide power with little fuss. If you are serious about creating green power, wind is an absolutely fantastic option. Although expensive and somewhat difficult, they are often the most satisfying and rewarding form of green power you can build.
