Can You Afford The Wind?

So you are interested in a wind power system for your property, but are afraid how much it will cost and not sure how to get started. Price is one of the major reasons people don't explore using wind turbines to generate power for their homes. Costs have dropped from thousands of dollars to the point that a home owner can build and install their own wind turbine using readily available kits priced around $200.

No special skills are needed. Using the technology and tools available you can turn it into a family project involving the kids. Imagine the learning experience you can give them while they build and install their own green energy system. Most of the supplies are available at your local hardware store, or might even be in the garage, spare parts from other DIY projects you have done around the house.

A wind power turbine allows you to take advantage of the free power flowing over your property day and night; Saving you money you'd otherwise be paying to the utilities. If you have solar cells, you will be able to hook the two systems together to become an energy producer and take advantage of net metering; A program offered by some utilities to purchase excess power generated by homeowners. This power generated enters the grid causing your power meter to run backward and is credited to your account.

Most electricity that you get from the grid is generated by unsustainable, dirty technology such as nuclear power and fossil fuels that impacts our environment and contributes to global warming. Natural gas, while cleaner is also a fossil fuel and just as unsustainable as other oil products. Employing wind,solar cells, thermal heating technology and a good energy audit of your home will reduce your need for these dirty and finite energy sources, while making the earth a healthier place to live.

It might be scary at first, planning to add wind power to your home. But it's not as difficult as it seems and knowing that the cost will not be as large as you first planned will help you along the path to lower energy costs.

Look to the Internet to see what is available. Options run from commercially installed systems to DIY plans for the homeowner. Look for web sites that offer information about various wind power systems. No one product is perfect for every situation. The more you can learn, the better informed you will be about what will work for you. The better informed, the quicker you will see a return on your investment. Plus, you will be doing something good for your environment.