How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Installing a Small Wind Turbine

Introduction

Installing a small wind turbine on your property is one of the most impactful steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. Small wind turbines allow you to generate your own renewable electricity, reducing your reliance on fossil fuel-generated power from the grid. In this article, I will provide an in-depth guide on determining if a small wind turbine is right for you, choosing the best turbine, and installing and maintaining a wind turbine system.

What is a Small Wind Turbine?

A small wind turbine is a turbine with a rated capacity below 100 kilowatts that converts kinetic energy from the wind into electrical energy. Small wind turbines can be divided into two main categories:

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) have blades that spin around a horizontal shaft. Most commercial wind farms use HAWTs due to their high efficiency. However, their height makes them less suitable for residential use.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have blades that spin around a vertical shaft. VAWTs tend to be shorter and more compact than HAWTs, making them better suited for urban and residential settings. Common VAWT designs include Darrieus turbines and Savonius turbines.

Benefits of Installing a Small Wind Turbine

Installing a small wind turbine can provide the following benefits:

• Reduced electricity bills - Wind turbines allow you to generate your own renewable electricity, reducing dependence on utility-provided power.

• Lower carbon footprint - Wind turbines generate clean, emissions-free electricity. An average 5 kW turbine can offset over 10 tons of CO2 per year.

• Increased energy independence - Producing your own power reduces reliance on the central electricity grid. Wind turbines provide energy security and independence.

• Backup power generation - Wind turbines can provide power backup during grid outages. They can be integrated with battery banks to provide emergency power.

Determining if a Wind Turbine is Right for You

There are several key factors to consider when determining if a wind turbine is right for your location:

Sufficient Wind Resource

• Consistent annual average wind speeds of at least 10 mph are required for an effective wind turbine. Higher wind speeds allow turbines to produce more power.

• Use online wind maps or obtain onsite wind studies to determine your wind speeds. Consider getting a small anemometer tower to quantify your wind resource.

Adequate Lot Size and Clearances

• Wind turbines should be sited upwind of buildings and trees. Allow for adequate spacing from obstructions for clean, laminar airflow.

• The turbine height should clear all nearby obstructions. Larger lot sizes are ideal for maximizing these spacing allowances.

Zoning and Permitting

• Your municipal zoning department can advise on requirements like height restrictions, noise limits, setback allowances, and needed permits.

• Also check on incentives like tax credits or rebates that may help offset the system costs.

Grid Interconnection

• Most turbines connect to the utility grid via a net metering program. Check if your utility offers net metering and if your generator meets technical requirements.

• Systems without grid interconnection require battery storage. Off-grid systems are more complex and require careful load analysis.

Choosing the Best Wind Turbine

Here are key factors to consider when selecting the right wind turbine model:

Rated Power Output

• Consider your electricity requirements and whether you want the turbine to cover partial or complete needs.

• Most residential turbines range from 1 to 10 kW rated power output. Match the rated output to your property's wind resource, available area, and loads.

Design Type

• HAWTs generally offer better efficiency than VAWTs but have greater height requirements.

• VAWTs work well for urban and residential settings but usually have lower efficiency levels.

• Research the advantages of leading models like Bergey Excel HAWTs or Urban Green Energy Eddy GT VAWTs.

Safety Certification

• Small wind turbines must be safety certified according to American Wind Energy Association standards and come with emergency shut-offs.

• Also ensure the turbine is tested and certified for electrical safety and grid interconnection standards.

Noise Output

• All wind turbines generate some noise but proper siting mitigates nuisance. Verify that the noise level meets local ordinances.

• Quieter direct drive turbines minimize mechanical noise. Noise levels are also proportional to rotor size.

Costs

• Installed costs vary from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on turbine size, tower height, ancillary equipment, and location.

• Consider long-term factors like maintenance costs, lifespan, and return on investment. Quality turbines offer life expectancies of 20+ years.

Permitting and Installation Process

Proper permitting and installation are key to a safe, durable, and optimally performing wind turbine system. Here are the main steps:

Obtain Permits

• Contact your local zoning and building permit department to apply for the required permits. This may include zoning variances, building permits, and electrical permits.

Site Preparation

• Prepare the site area for installation according to the wind turbine manufacturer's guidelines.

• Properly graded and compacted soil foundations are required to support the tower base and anchor guy-wires if used.

Turbine and Tower Delivery

• Wind turbine components are shipped to your site once your foundation is prepared and permits approved.

• Carefully unpack the turbine and inspect for any shipping damage. Also inventory attached accessories.

Professional Installation

• Unless you have construction experience, hire a professional installer for safe and proper turbine mounting.

• The installer will attach the tower sections, hoist the turbine atop the tower, wire the system components, and connect to your grid or batteries as applicable.

Local Utility Inspection

• Your utility company will need to inspect and approve grid-connected systems before final commissioning.

• This ensures correct wiring procedures and that the anti-islanding safety system works properly.

Operation and Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential for maximizing turbine performance and lifetime. Follow these wind turbine care best practices:

• Inspect the system at least annually for loose bolts/fittings, wear, and corrosion issues.

• Check electrical terminations and connections to ensure tightness and no corrosion.

• Lubricate all rotating components as specified by the manufacturer.

• Replace worn out parts like brake pads according to the recommended schedule.

• Detail clean blade surfaces to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.

• Monitor your power production data over time to detect any deteriorating performance.

• Keep the turbine warranty information on file and comply with all suggested maintenance directives.

Conclusion

Installing a small wind turbine is an excellent way to lower your carbon footprint by generating clean, renewable electricity. Small wind turbines are a proven technology capable of providing years of reliable power production. If you have the available wind resource and adequate siting area, a residential wind turbine can greatly reduce your environmental impact and energy costs for decades to come. Just be sure to research models thoroughly and hire certified installers and electricians. With proper siting, installation and maintenance, a small wind turbine can be a wise long-term investment in your property's energy future.