Small wind turbine
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[edit] Small Wind Turbine
Small wind turbine is a small turbine that is used for house holds and farms. They require less wind to operate than utility-scale wind energy applications.
[edit] About Small Turbines
Small turbines range from 20 W to 100 kW. They only have three to four moving parts meaning very low maintenance. They have 20 to 40 year life design.
[edit] The Advantages
Average monthly electricity bills less than $100 for 10 kW system and less than $50 for 5 kW system. It produces around 5000 kWh/yr. They also prevent around 3.8 tons of CO2 per year.The Small turbine only costs around $10,000.So this system has a substantial cost-reduction potential.
If you can participate in a California-type 50% buy-down program do so.If you have a net metering and average annual winds of at least 15 mph, your system can pay for itself in about 6 years
[edit] Disadvantages
There are zoning and permit restrictions that can stop you from installing one. There is a 35-ft height restriction in residential zones. There is also a noise restrictions and NIMBY attitudes.
[edit] Sources
* American Wind Energy Association * National Renewable Energy Lab * Dept. of Energy * DOE power * Home Power Magazine
Categories: PH261 | Energy | Wind power
