How to Lower Your Electric Bill with Small Wind Turbines
Introduction
Installing small wind turbines at your home or business can help reduce your electricity bills. Small wind turbines, usually defined as turbines with a capacity below 100 kilowatts, are an affordable and effective way to harness wind energy. With rising electricity prices, utilizing small wind turbines is becoming an increasingly popular way to lower electric bills.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth guide on using small wind turbines to lower your electric bill. I will cover topics such as:
- How small wind turbines work
- Benefits of small wind turbines
- Factors to consider before installing a small wind turbine
- Estimating power production and savings
- Selecting the right turbine size and model
- Wind turbine costs
- Installation and maintenance
- Legal and zoning regulations
- Financial incentives and rebates
Follow along for tips and advice on leveraging small wind turbines to reduce your home or business energy costs.
How Small Wind Turbines Work
Small wind turbines work by converting the kinetic energy in wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power then spins a generator to produce electricity.
Specifically, wind turns the turbine's blades around a rotor. The rotor connects to a shaft and gearbox which convert the slow, high-torque rotation into faster rotation that generators need. The electrical generator produces alternating current (AC) electricity that can power a home or building.
A small wind turbine system usually includes:
- Tower: Supports the turbine and rotor blades high above obstructions
- Rotor blades: Aerodynamically designed blades that capture wind energy
- Generator: Produces AC power from mechanical power
- Controller: Monitors turbine operation and output
- Batteries: Store excess power generated for future use
- Inverter: Converts generator AC power into usable DC electricity
Small wind turbines can be installed on the ground, rooftops, or other elevated locations. The higher the turbine, the more wind power it can harness. Turbines begin operating at wind speeds around 8-16 mph and reach maximum power output around 25-35 mph.
Benefits of Small Wind Turbines
Installing a small wind turbine at your home or business provides several advantages:
- Lower electricity bills - Wind turbines generate power to offset your electricity usage from the grid
- Clean energy - Turbines produce renewable electricity without carbon emissions
- Energy independence - Reduce reliance on utility companies and electricity grid
- Financial incentives - Tax credits, rebates, and other incentives improve cost-effectiveness
- Quick installation - Small turbines can be installed relatively quickly compared to solar panels
- Low maintenance - Very little maintenance required outside of annual inspections
- Excess power storage - Batteries store surplus power for future consumption
Small wind turbines represent a smart long-term investment for homeowners and businesses looking to take control of their energy costs. The turbines provide a sustainable source of power for decades while lowering your carbon footprint.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Small Wind Turbine
While small wind turbines provide excellent benefits, there are several factors to take into account:
Wind Resource
- The wind speed and patterns at your site will determine power production
- Use wind resource maps from NREL or install an anemometer for onsite data
- Most turbines require annual average wind speeds of at least 10 mph
Turbine Siting
- Turbines need to be sited in open areas clear of obstructions like trees or buildings
- Rooftop mounting requires appropriate roof design and bracing
- Consider zoning laws, homeowner associations rules, and potential sound nuisance
System Components
- Carefully select each component like the tower, rotor blades, inverter, and batteries
- Choose quality components rated for your area's wind speeds and climate
Installation Factors
- Determine if you will do a DIY install or hire an installer
- Factor in electrical work, permits, interconnections fees, and inspections
- Crane rental is often needed to hoist turbine and tower into place
Ongoing Operation & Maintenance
- Expect to perform periodic inspections and minor maintenance
- Budget for repairs like bearing replacement every 5-10 years
- Clean debris buildup on blades and check bolts annually
Taking the time to understand these key factors will ensure your small wind turbine system meets your needs and runs smoothly for years.
Estimating Power Production and Savings
You can estimate your wind turbine's annual energy output using this basic formula:
Annual Energy (kWh) = Turbine Power Rating (kW) x Capacity Factor (%) x 8,760 hours/year
The capacity factor (%) represents the turbine's average power production over the year. A capacity factor between 20-35% is typical for small turbines.
For example, a 10 kW turbine with a 30% capacity factor would produce:
10 kW x 30% x 8,760 hours/year = 26,280 kWh/year
At an electricity rate of $0.15/kWh, this would save about $3,942 in utility bills annually.
More precise energy production estimates require a detailed assessment of your wind speeds, turbine power curve, height, siting, and other factors. Consult an installer for site-specific insights on potential power generation and bill savings.
Selecting the Right Turbine Size and Model
Choosing the optimal wind turbine depends on your location's wind resource, average electricity use, and budget. Follow these tips for selection:
- For grid-connected systems, select a turbine rated for no more than 120% of your site's annual consumption
- For off-grid systems, match the turbine size to your electrical load and battery bank storage
- Ensure the turbine's start-up wind speed and maximum power rating fits your wind resource
- Consider sound ratings - lowest decibel turbines are quietest
- Choose reputable brands like Bergey, Gaia, and Windspire that offer long warranties
- Compare features between horizontal axis vs vertical axis turbines
- Larger rotor diameters capture more wind, but require stronger towers
Work with a qualified installer to objectively match the best turbine model to your needs. On-site wind monitoring provides the most accurate data.
Wind Turbine Costs
The costs for small wind turbines includes:
- Turbine: $3,000 to $15,000 installed
- Tower: $5,000 to $7,000 for guyed lattice tower
- Inverter: $1,000 to $5,000
- Batteries: $2,000 to $10,000 for battery bank
- Installation: $5,000 to $15,000 for contractor fees
- Permitting & Interconnection: Up to $1,000
Total System Cost: $15,000 to $50,000
Tower costs are a major cost component, so homeowners may consider DIY turbine installations using hinged or tilt-up towers which are cheaper. Always consult your local permitting office to ensure your turbine project complies with regulations.
Financial incentives like the federal investment tax credit (ITC) can reduce net costs by 26% of total capital costs.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper turbine installation and maintenance ensures your system operates safely and efficiently.
- Most homeowners hire professional installers for tasks like pouring concrete, running electrical, and hoisting the tower and turbine
- Annual maintenance checks should examine the turbine blades, bolts, electrical connections, and rotating parts
- Replace vulnerable parts like blades and bearings per the manufacturer's schedule
- Technicians can troubleshoot underperformance issues and make repairs
- Take safety precautions like properly grounding the system and posting warning signs
- Brake systems automatically stop turbines in high winds to prevent damage
While wind turbines are highly reliable, scheduled maintenance optimizes their productivity and lifetime. Keep the turbine warranties and manuals on file for reference.
Legal and Zoning Regulations
Check your local zoning laws and homeowner association rules before installing a wind turbine. Key legal considerations include:
- Height restrictions - Many areas limit tower height for small wind turbines
- Setback requirements - Towers must be set back from property lines and neighbors
- Permitting - Building permits are required for towers and electrical work
- Sound limits - Local decibel limits may restrict certain turbine models
- Homeowner rules - HOA's may prohibit or limit wind turbine installations
- Aviation warnings - Turbines near airports may require aircraft warnings
- Historic district rules - Turbines in historic areas may be restricted
Consult your zoning board and permitting office early in the planning process to ensure your wind turbine complies with local ordinances.
Financial Incentives and Rebates
A number of financial incentives exist at the federal, state, and utility level to improve the economics of small wind turbines:
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Provides a 26% tax credit for installed costs
- Cash rebates: Some states and utilities offer upfront rebate incentives
- Net metering: Utility pays you retail rate for surplus power you generate
- Low-interest loans: May have better terms than commercial loans
- Property tax exemptions: Turbine value may be exempted from property taxes
- Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Can be sold for additional turbine revenue
Be sure to research available federal, state, utility, nonprofit, and clean energy financing options. Incentives can reduce the payback period for a wind turbine down to just 5-10 years.
Conclusion
Installing a small wind turbine provides an impactful way to lower your electricity bills for decades while harnessing clean, renewable energy. With proper siting, system sizing, and financial incentives, small wind turbines offer homeowners and businesses substantial cost savings and energy independence. If you have assessed your location's wind resource and selected the optimal turbine model while adhering to zoning laws, a wind turbine can be a savvy long-term investment in your property's energy future.