Is Wind Power an Option for Homeowners?

As oil prices continue to climb the focus on renewable energy is becoming more intense and, in many cases, more viable for homeowners. Wind energy is touted as a clean, readily available source but homeowners have faced challenges for using this renewable in residential settings. Today's "small wind" power is changing constantly with innovative ideas and designs that advancing the possibilities for homeowners to capture the wind at home.

Several companies and a growing industry are focused on the "small wind" market - wind turbines and systems for homes, farms and small businesses. This industry, which includes turbines with 100 kilowatt capacity or smaller, is growing rapidly and many manufacturers are based in the United States.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is a great resource to learn about the latest advances in "small wind". The site offers the big stuff like legislation, policy and events but also offers real world tools for wind-power enthusiasts including financing, permits, zoning considerations, incentives and connection aspects. There are a bevy of downloads, case studies, fact sheets and consumer guides.

Behind the growing industry are a handful of companies who are driving innovative design of "small wind" turbines. Quiet Revolution is a UK-based company - UK has the largest wind resource in Europe - that offers the QR5 turbine. This elegant vertical access wind turbine (VAWT) design is ideal for urban or developed areas where winds can be turbulent.

The QR5 addresses many of the objections to wind turbines: it's visually appealling and it's vertical axis reduces noise and vibration. One of the most popular pub chains in the UK has started using Quiet Revolution turbines on the roof in a widespread effort to use renewable energy. (Visit TreeHugger for more).

Another innovative team has developed an even quieter, possibly more beautiful and definitely more wildlife friendly "small wind" turbine. Helix Wind also uses a VAWT design but uses long, helical scoops to capture wind energy. This shape appears solid to bats and birds to help decrease the impact on wildlife - something that not many wind turbines can claim.

The Helix Wind Savonius 2.0 is a revolutionary piece of equipment. The rotor is just 4 feet by 6 feet and the turbine can be mounted as low as 14 feet. It's a quiet machine that operates just above ambient noise level. Helix Wind has a great video on YouTube so you can see for yourself how this turbine looks, sounds and operates in action.

Is wind power an option for homeowners? The answer is yes. There are significant considerations when looking to wind-power at home but the industry is overcoming challenges on a daily basis. New designs are more efficient, more visually appealling, quieter and more cost-effective making it easier for homeowners and small businesses to capture this renewable energy.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.