Residential Wind turbines

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Residential Wind Turbines

Residential wind turbines are often errantly called wind generators or home wind generators by those new to renewable energy.

In fact, it wasn't that long ago when I was looking for "wind generators" on Google and not finding the results I expected.

"Wind turbines" are those devices that when the wind blows, the blades turn the rotor, and the inner workings generate electricity.

So, if you're looking for wind turbine information - you're on the right page!

Don't forget, your residential wind turbine project will require more than just a turbine and a tower. On this page you'll also find resources on inverters, batteries, and more. Some required, other required only if your project wants to off-grid, or grid-tied with battery backup.

Your project requirements, and local regulations, dictate your equipment needs.

(Photo NREL/Pix 08079, Credit Jim Green)

Common Misunderstandings About Residential Wind Turbines

Don't Let the 80's Bog You Down! (It's 2008 for Pete's Sake!)

As a recent newcomer to renewable energy interests, I came to the renewable energy world with several misunderstandings. And even in my first few weeks of visiting RE (renewable energy) Expos and taking tours of Solar Homes (National Solar Tour Day), I heard people that I presumed were more knowledgable than myself, asking the experts the same questions that I had previously had.

First misunderstanding, wind turbines should not be attached to your home. Yes, you might think you can save money because you're not buying a tower, but you forget about the turbulence that will shake your house apart. Several schools and community projects had previously tried mounting wind turbines on dwellings (buildings) and eventually had to disable/remove the turbines because of all the vibrations and structural damage being caused to the structures. Short answer: wind turbines must be tower mounted on towers designed for wind turbines.

Second misunderstanding, wind turbines are noisy and neighbors will hate them. Perhaps back in the late 70's and 80's those wind turbines were noisy, but today's residential models boast that they're well quieter. Each manufacturer should have factual datasheets about how many decibels (dB) their turbines produce in noise.

Third misunderstanding, wind turbines are ugly and are visually polluting. Perhaps if you made your wind turbine out of a recycle bicycle, an automobile alternator, and built your tower out of railroad ties, but actually today's wind turbines are sleek and attractive. Your family and your neighbors should prefer to see wind turbines on properties large enough (per local zoning regulations and neighborhood covenants), rather than a coal-fired power plant down the road. Even though I'm not a tree-hugger myself, I'd rather see dozens of residential turbines.

Fourth misunderstanding, wind turbines kill birds. Ok, the sarcastic part of me says that those same bunny-huggers that believe in evolution should understand survival-of-the-fittest or natural-selection, and get over this hang-up. But from what I understand, studies have shown this false, that birds aren't being decimated in droves by residential wind turbines. If the alternative is to kill birds by burning coal and belching mercury and other toxins into their air, perhaps those concerned about birds should consider residential wind turbines a step in the right direction.

Wind Tubines and Accessories - Renewable Energy Source Resources

Renewable Energy Source Resources

When the sun isn't shining, the wind can still be blowing. So renewable wind energy sources are a common sense compliment to solar energy sources. Contrary to what old-style wind turbines led people to believe, the new models are quieter, more reliable, more efficient, and come in a variety of sizes and configurations. People new to renewable energy might mistakenly call these wind generators, wind power generators, of home wind generators...but we prefer to call them wind turbines.

Residential Wind turbines

Residential Wind Turbines

Common Misunderstandings About Residential Wind Turbines

Don't Let the 80's Bog You Down! (It's 2008 for Pete's Sake!)

Wind Tubines and Accessories - Renewable Energy Source Resources

Renewable Energy Source Resources

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Power Inverters - Renewable Energy Source Resources

Renewable Energy Source Resources

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Batteries to Store Your Electrical Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Resources

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Distributors of Multiple Renewable Energy Types - Solar Heater Water, plus Wind, Solar, and Hydro Power

Renewable Energy Source Resources

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