subject: Household Wind Mill - Precisely What Are My Best Solutions? [print this page] When you are looking at a domestic wind generator for your home or business, it is a good idea to understand what your options are and how well they fit with your particular situation. You can spend a lot of time and money on a wind device and not meet your objectives if you are not careful.
There is plenty of motivation around to give you good reason to look at a domestic wind generator for your home or business. The main one of course is cutting energy costs. We know the costs are going nowhere but up for energy created in utility generation plants. However, the increasing shortage of fossil fuel resources worldwide should also give us all pause to consider seriously wind energy that we make ourselves.
It is wise to take some time upfront and make sure you know what your objectives are. Deciding on the front end what you will do with electricity you make and making sure that you have enough wind resources to make electricity, will put you in great position to pick the right wind device for your application.
In terms of picking the right device to meet your requirements, you really have two major options:
* Roof mounted wind turbines - if you are planning on installing your wind device on your roof, you still have a choice whether you want a horizontal axis of a vertical axis system. The vertical axis system is probably better for this environment to because it has no tail and therefore is not seeking the wind constantly. The vertical axis turbine is perfect for the chaotic environment found on roof because it does not seek the predominant wind. Instead, it spins in the direction that the strongest wind is blowing and will reverse the direction very quickly if need be.
* Tower mounted wind turbines - the best wind is always found at least 30 feet above your trees and other obstructions, like buildings. That's where the wind is most steady and strong for sure. Although the tower will add a considerable amount of cost to your project, you can offset a lot of that by the extra efficiency you will get by using a horizontal wind turbine. Horizontals are simply a lot more efficient than verticals and in this case.
In conclusion, a domestic wind generator can be an excellent source of electricity for your home at no incremental cost to you. You have to do your homework though and make sure you are understanding the wind on your property and how to make the best use of it to save you money.
