Thread: Residential wind turbines

Im starting to do a bit of research into possible adding one or two of these to my home to help off set some utilities. Just wondering if anyone here has done this and their experience. Pros/cons, maintence costs, etc.

I have looked into it, but the space requirements based on height make it hard to do at my house.

Yea that's my concern too. And I have not even started to look at the local code yet

I've heard of health concerns but maybe you're not talking that big. And I don't know how legitimate those concerns are. Just a heads up.

There are also noise concerns, environmental concerns... I am thinking of trying out a small generator a few feet off my roof, a small one that you would use on a caravan or cabin. Small investment that would give me an idea if it is worth while.

put that money towards solar panels instead.... wind is to unreliable.

i worked on a few out here, but they are far from res. how big are you thinking? I know a few guys that just did the class for them

you will need to look at wind patterns in your area for the year, then factor in how much energy they will produce vs the cost of the turbines. In past research, not worth it

Before any real company will install wind turbines they would come out and wind map your plot of land. I think it is a couple bucks and they can tell you if your land is suitable and the best way to make sure of available energy. Solar + Wind compliment each other, for wind when there is no wind there is no power with solar you aren't making power at night.

Originally Posted by Forfend

Before any real company will install wind turbines they would come out and wind map your plot of land. I think it is a couple bucks and they can tell you if your land is suitable and the best way to make sure of available energy. Solar + Wind compliment each other, for wind when there is no wind there is no power with solar you aren't making power at night.

This is true, however you trade with solar back and forth with the grid to offset your costs. So while you are buying at night, you are selling during the day. You will almost certainly sell more with solar panels during the day, which is peak hours than you will at night with wind which is off peak hours. residential is simply not worth it. you know the sun is going to come up every day, and even if there are clouds you still make some power with the panels. this can't be said about wind.