How to Lower Your Electric Bill With Small Wind Turbines

Installing small wind turbines on your property can help lower your electric bill by supplementing your energy use with renewable wind power. Here is an in-depth guide on how to utilize small wind turbines to reduce your electricity costs.

What Are Small Wind Turbines?

Small wind turbines, sometimes called residential wind turbines, are wind energy conversion systems that convert wind energy into electricity to power a home, farm, or small business.

They are available in sizes ranging from 400 watts to 100 kilowatts. Unlike large commercial wind turbines that stand hundreds of feet tall, small wind turbines are typically 80 to 100 feet tall, making them better suited for residential and small business applications.

Some key advantages of small wind turbines:

• Generate clean, renewable electricity.
• Lower your electric bill by supplementing grid power.
• Can be installed on properties with at least 1 acre of land.
• Take advantage of wind energy tax credits and incentives.

How Much Can You Save?

Installing a small wind turbine allows you to generate your own electricity, thereby decreasing the amount of electricity you need to buy from your utility company.

The amount you can save on your electric bill depends on several factors:

• Your electricity usage - The more energy you use, the greater your potential savings.
• Wind speeds in your area - Faster average wind speeds produce more power.
• Turbine size - Larger turbines generate more electricity.
• Electricity rates - Higher electricity rates increase the value of the power produced.
• Net metering rules - This allows you to get credit for excess power sent back to the grid.

Most homeowners save 10% to 40% on their electric bills with a small wind turbine. Larger residential turbines can offset up to 90% of electricity usage.

To get a more precise estimate for your location, use the Energy Department's Wind Energy Payback Calculator.

What Are The Steps to Install a Small Wind Turbine?

Installing a small wind turbine is a significant project that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the basic steps:

Choose the Best Site

Select a site with the highest average wind speeds and least turbulence. Turbines need to be sited upwind of buildings and trees that can disrupt airflow.

Consider setback requirements from property lines, access roads, power lines and other structures. Make sure the location is compatible with local zoning laws.

Research Permitting Requirements

Most jurisdictions require zoning permits, building permits, and possibly additional special use permits for wind turbines. Research local ordinances and obtain all required permits.

Analyze Your Wind Resource

Collect wind speed data on the proposed site for at least a year to determine if wind speeds are adequate for a small wind project. Install an anemometer (wind meter) on a tower and record results.

Select an Appropriate Turbine

Choose a turbine suited for your wind speeds, energy needs, and local zoning requirements. Obtain product certifications.

Determine Turbine Height

The turbine's tower height is directly related to energy production. A general rule of thumb is to install a tower with a height of 80 to 100 feet.

Evaluate Grid Interconnection Requirements

Contact your utility company to obtain their interconnection requirements and understand the net metering policies. This governs how you are credited for excess energy fed back to the grid.

Install Electrical Components

Electrical wires and components like transformers match the turbine output to your home's electrical system. All electrical work should be performed by licensed electricians.

Construct the Turbine Foundation

Most manufacturers provide guidelines on appropriate foundation construction based on soil conditions and tower height.

Assemble and Install the Turbine

Once the foundation is complete, assemble tower sections, hub, blades, and other components on-site with a crane according to manufacturer instructions.

Perform Ongoing Operation & Maintenance

To keep your turbine running efficiently for decades, perform regular inspections and maintenance as specified by the manufacturer.

What Are The Costs of Small Wind Turbines?

The costs of purchasing and installing a small wind turbine can range from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the turbine size, tower height, transportation expenses, permitting fees and installation costs. Larger turbines over 25 kW can cost over $50,000.

Turbine costs make up about 45% to 65% of the total installed cost. Other factors that influence overall costs:

• Tower: Taller towers cost more but access higher wind speeds.
• Siting: Wind assessments, zoning review, permits can add several thousand dollars.
• Grid connection: Electrical components and utility interconnection costs can range from $500 to $5,000.
• Foundation: Concrete foundations can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000. Construction costs depend on soil conditions and tower height.
• Installation: Crane rental, shipping, assembly can cost thousands.

Ongoing operation and maintenance costs are about $150 to $500 per year.

Available Tax Credits and Incentives

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% tax credit for small wind projects. Many states and utilities also offer additional incentives like rebates and low-interest loans to help reduce the upfront cost.

These financial incentives can shrink your payback period from 10-20 years down to less than 10 years for a residential wind turbine.

Be sure to research available incentives in your specific area before committing to a wind turbine project. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency offers information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives for renewable energy projects.

Conclusion

Installing a small wind turbine can provide great long-term savings by lowering your electric bill with clean wind energy. With proper site selection, system sizing, permitting, installation, and maintenance, a residential wind turbine can potentially offset a significant portion of your home's electricity usage over its 20-30 year lifetime. Take advantage of available financial incentives to help reduce the payback period.