Residential wind power is the second most abundant sources of alternative energy on the face of the planet. Residential wind power continues to grow at a significant rate as a primary source of alternative energy for homeowners. A quick way to reduce personal energy cost is an investment in residential wind power.

Residential Wind Power

Residential wind power is the second most abundant sources of alternative energy on the face of the planet. On most days one can simply walk outside and feel the breeze. On a nice summer day one can feel the refreshing breeze. During storms one can witness its destructive force.

Residential wind power is believed to have been used for around 3000 years. Initially it was used as a method in Persia to pump water. Even in modern times, windmill systems can be seen at many remote locations pumping water.

It was not until the late 19th century that wind was first used to generate electricity. In order to overcome the large force required for generating electricity, these structures were required to be very large and were not efficient.

Up until the late 20th century, residential wind power for electricity was not considered practical. Motor sizes were significant and required moderate speed to turn the rotor. These systems required large blade designs that were not practical to install in urban or sub-urban areas.

During the early 20th century residential wind power was primarily driven by increases in agriculture. Inefficiencies in designs eliminated successful creation of energy on any large scale. However, small scale residential wind power generators were increasing in popularity in remote locations that were cost prohibitive for utility companies.

During the late 20th century during major fuel shortages residential wind power once again began to take on a significant role. In the 1970’s governments began to provide incentive programs for adding alternative energies to homes and businesses as a way to reducing fossil fuel demands. With a looming oil crisis many incentive programs were created to help encourage residential wind power systems.

Even today wind continues to be a major source of electrical generation in many parts of the country. It is not only a source of electricity for utility companies and electric grids; residential wind power continues to grow at a significant rate as a primary source of alternative energy for homeowners.

In recent years many significant changes have been made that enabled residential wind power to become cost effective. Changes to equipment, blade designs, and construction material have all increased residential wind power efficiency.

One of the first significant visual changes to residential wind power systems is the blade structures. Residential wind power blades now come in a variety of designs. The typical blades are either designed in vertical or horizontal directions, and are most likely built from lightweight composite materials making them durable and flexible for a variety of speeds.

Other significant changes are the low-torque rotors used in the generators. By increasing generator efficiency, less force is required to turn the rotor. This results in greater output efficiency in lower speeds.

With improved blade designs and more efficient operation at lower speeds residential wind power is increasingly available in more areas.

It is also important to consider the many incentives that may be in place to help reduce the cost of installing a residential wind power system. Governments have responded at state and national levels with tax breaks and other financial incentives. Utility companies have also responded to demands for cleaner energy and cost cutting measures. In some cases utility companies are offering buyback incentive programs for the extra electricity generated by a homeowner.

It is important for homeowners to understand residential wind power today is much more cost effective than in years past. A quick way to reduce personal energy cost is an investment in residential wind power.