If you look at the power of wind, it is easy to realize the value provided throughout time. For instance, sailors were able to transverse the ocean and sea thanks to wind power, water mills still move water from one location to another by using wind, and windmills have long been used for grinding harvested grain. Today, new technology has made it possible for wind to produce enough electricity to power an entire home. People are tired of spending hard-earned money paying electrical bills and as a result, many are turning to water, solar, or wind power as an alternative resource.
Currently, about 50,000 windmills and wind turbines are in full production around the world, generating approximately 50 billion kilowatt hours annually. To see the value of wind, consider that the average house uses 10,000 kilowatt hours each year so with wind power available today, about five million homes could operate from this natural resource. The number of turbines in operation is so great that one-tenth the size of Nevada would be covered. That means that if all the wind turbines operating in the world were located within the United States, the entire country could run off “free electricity.”
This alternative resource is so beneficial over commercially produced energy that experts suggest by 2015 as much as 6% of the population in America will use wind to produce electricity for the home. Interestingly, while more and more commercial wind turbines are being erected within the United States, this country falls behind other countries, especially those in Europe for using wind power. Today, 10% of homes in the United Kingdom operate on electricity produced by wind and for Denmark, the percentage increases to 20%.
While it took a little time to develop, wind turbines are now designed and sold for homeowners. These smaller and aesthetically pleasing turbines work off the same concept as those for commercial purposes but at a fraction of the cost. In fact, while you could purchase a constructed turbine to have professionally installed, you could also buy a kit and complete the installation yourself. For this, you would need to secure all permits and licenses, as well as follow local, state, and federal regulations established by the government.
When choosing a wind turbine as a means of powering your home and saving tremendous money, it is essential you look at all products. The reason is that some turbines sold specifically for home use can be loud during operation. Therefore, if you live in a suburban area you may find neighbors rejecting this money saving solution. However, if you can buy a turbine that is quiet and small enough not to be a distraction then you are on your way to virtually free electricity for the home. Of course, if you live in a rural or country setting then you have more leeway.
Because wind has become such a great source of natural energy, you will also find that many incentives, rebates, and discounts are offered by the government. In addition, if your wind turbine were to produce extra electricity, you may be able to sell the surplus to your electric company. The bottom line is that instead of just going with the flow and paying high energy bills each month, you might consider investing in wind power.
