Residential Wind Power Facts
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According to the U.S. Census,
more than 17 million homes in
America are located on land that
is appropriate for a small wind
system. Could your home be
one?
Wind is the “fuel” for your wind
generator. You should have at
least a 9 MPH average wind
speed at your location. There
are several wind maps for most
States which will give you an
idea of the wind resource at
your house. Some states have
even more accurate interactive
wind maps.
more than 17 million homes in
America are located on land that
is appropriate for a small wind
system. Could your home be
one?
Wind is the “fuel” for your wind
generator. You should have at
least a 9 MPH average wind
speed at your location. There
are several wind maps for most
States which will give you an
idea of the wind resource at
your house. Some states have
even more accurate interactive
wind maps.
Check out these maps and see if you have the right wind resource. You should live in a
“Class One” or better site.
How do they work? The wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects
wind energy and converts it into electricity. The turbine output is then made electrically
compatible with the utility, and the output is fed into the household wiring at the
breaker panel.
The home is served simultaneously by the wind turbine and the utility. If the wind
speed is below 7 mph there will be no output from the wind turbine and all of the
needed power is bought from the utility. As the wind speed increases the turbine
output increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately
decreased.
When the turbine output is more than the house needs the extra electricity is sold to
the utility. All of this is done automatically. There are no batteries in a modern
residential wind system.
What size would I need for my home? Homes typically use around 800 kilowatt-hours
of electricity per month. Depending upon the average wind speed in the area this will
require a wind turbine rated in the range 5-15 kilowatts. Bergey's 10 kW unit, the BWC
EXCEL-S, is the best selling residential unit in the U.S. It has a rotor diameter of 23 feet
and is typically installed on 80 or 100 foot towers.
Who should consider buying one? A wind turbine is a relatively large device and it is
not suitable for urban or small-lot suburban homes. A property size of one acre or more
is recommended. The economics of a wind system are determined by the average local
wind speed, availability of rebates or tax credits, and your current electric rate.
As a general rule-of-thumb, it's recommend that you have at least a 10 mph average
wind speed and pay 10¢/kilowatt-hour or more for electricity.
“Class One” or better site.
How do they work? The wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects
wind energy and converts it into electricity. The turbine output is then made electrically
compatible with the utility, and the output is fed into the household wiring at the
breaker panel.
The home is served simultaneously by the wind turbine and the utility. If the wind
speed is below 7 mph there will be no output from the wind turbine and all of the
needed power is bought from the utility. As the wind speed increases the turbine
output increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately
decreased.
When the turbine output is more than the house needs the extra electricity is sold to
the utility. All of this is done automatically. There are no batteries in a modern
residential wind system.
What size would I need for my home? Homes typically use around 800 kilowatt-hours
of electricity per month. Depending upon the average wind speed in the area this will
require a wind turbine rated in the range 5-15 kilowatts. Bergey's 10 kW unit, the BWC
EXCEL-S, is the best selling residential unit in the U.S. It has a rotor diameter of 23 feet
and is typically installed on 80 or 100 foot towers.
Who should consider buying one? A wind turbine is a relatively large device and it is
not suitable for urban or small-lot suburban homes. A property size of one acre or more
is recommended. The economics of a wind system are determined by the average local
wind speed, availability of rebates or tax credits, and your current electric rate.
As a general rule-of-thumb, it's recommend that you have at least a 10 mph average
wind speed and pay 10¢/kilowatt-hour or more for electricity.
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