Wind power gets a fair amount of attention and credit in the renewable energy movement. In 2007, wind power trailed only natural gas as a source of new electricity generation in the U.S. According to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) 2008 report, Texas continued to lead the nation with nearly 4,500 MW of installed capacity.

Still, the vast majority of wind power generated comes from large wind farms, with relatively little attention paid to small, residential wind power systems. That may change somewhat now that the federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit applies to small wind, at a rate of $500 per .5 kW (max. $4,000).

Yet a tax credit alone does not a practical option make. If wind has a weak spot it lies in its variability; compared to solar or geothermal power, wind is a limited resource. On the other hand, a wind turbine may be just the ticket for homeowners in states like Texas, Iowa, South Dakota, and more. So how do you know if residential wind power is right for you? To exemplify an inherent split, here are five reasons why wind power is a practical choice…and five reasons why not.

Let It Blow

1. Where it Does. The practicality of a wind turbine depends largely on location. Homeowners with the space and consistently blowing wind may find wind to be a viable alternative energy source.
2. Save Money. Harnessing wind power replaces or at least supplements grid power, reducing home electric bills by an average of 50 to 90 percent.
3. Save the Environment. Here is reason number one why at least looking into wind power is a good choice for anyone. Wind power produces no pollution and helps to offset your carbon footprint — and possibly that of others at peak output.
4. Low Maintenance. With just a few moving parts, wind turbines typically require very little maintenance and last up to 20 years.
5. Space. Both a reason to adopt wind power and a reason not to, much depends on how much space is available on your property. AWEA recommends that a home have a minimum of one acre of free space.

Give It a Rest

1. Close Quarters. Just as ample space is key for adopting wind power, a lack of it is one of the best reasons to avoid it. Wind turbines stand up to 80 feet tall in order to rise above buildings and landmarks. They also make a small but noticeable amount of noise, so the further from the bedroom window the better.
2. Up Front Costs are an issue for each and every residential renewable resource. Wind turbines are no exception. Small turbines cost anywhere from $6,000 to $22,000 installed.
3. The Changing Seasons. Unfortunately, in some areas, wind is only a viable and consistent resource for part of the year. Furthermore, wind is a relatively unpredictable resource and cannot be counted on from day to day, making small, off-grid systems a rarity.
4. Noise. Wind turbines do create some noise pollution. The AWEA claims that they make “less noise than the average washing machine.” Still, for some homeowners, the sound of a washing machine is more than enough.
5. Is it Worthwhile? Even if state and federal incentives make up front costs more reasonable, small wind still may not make economic sense for some homeowners. Even the AWEA admits that you should pay at least $.10/kWh for electricity before small wind power is truly affordable.

Link: American Wind Energy Association

Posted on February 20th in Solar Information by Dan.