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Home Wind Energy Is A Viable Option For Some
from: As basic electric costs continue to climb, many people are seeking out ways to cut their expenses and consumption. Others, however, are exploring the potential of producing their own electricity to offset their reliance on the grid. For these people, home wind energy can provide a solution.Home wind energy involves the use of specialized devices to harvest wind power and turn it into usable electrical current. There are a few options of devices available that help homeowners augment their use of grid-based, fossil fuel-driven electrical power. They include:
• Turbine systems – This option for home wind energy uses a wind turbine to harvest wind’s kinetic energy power. This energy turns the blades on a special fan that then spins a shaft. This shaft is connected to an electrical generator that gains power from the shaft’s spinning. The end result is power produced by the generator that a homeowner can use.
• Hybrid systems – There are some hybrid systems that homeowners can take advantage of. These often include the use of both wind and solar systems to produce energy for home consumption. These systems can be particularly useful for taking advantage of two renewable sources of power. They are considered ideal in remote areas and can help take a home completely off an electrical grid.
Home wind energy does bring with it many advantages. Unfortunately, it is still often necessary in areas where it is possible to tap into the electrical grid to make sure power needs are fully met. The fact is that wind power might not always be prevalent enough to power a home 365 days a year. Still, the advantages of even offsetting electrical use are many. They include:
• Environmental impacts – Using home wind energy reduces negative environmental impacts. Rather than rely solely on fossil fuels, homeowners with their own turbines can reduce their use of damaging and nonrenewable energy sources.
• Financial savings – While it’s true installing a wind turbine to provide home wind energy will cost a pretty penny, this type of system can pay for itself over time. How much or how little savings a homeowner will realize will depend on the capacity of the turbine and its overall offset of standard electrical use.
• Potential moneymaking ability - In some areas, it is feasible for homeowners who use home wind energy systems to tap into the electrical grid in a reverse manner. In times when electricity is needed from the grid, it will be provided. When a home wind system produces more power than a home requires, that energy will flow to the electric company and result in a financial gain for the homeowner.
Home wind energy provides a way for property owners to be more self-sufficient. It also enables them to cut their financial costs related to electrical consumption. In the process, using wind power can reduce environmental impacts. For these reasons, many people are looking into using wind power to take some of the strain off the regular electrical grid.
Michigan Wind Energy News
Everyone knows it's windy . . .
... And now they have the data to prove it. The middle of Lake Michigan is a vast, untapped reservoir of wind energy. The next step will be to find out if it can be harvested economically without harming the environment.
Read more...Michigan's Eaton County Might Get Wind Farm
The Oneida Township Planning Commission in Eaton County, Mich., is looking at regulatory groundwork for a 63-turbine wind farm in Oneida and Roxand counties. The Lansing State Journal says the requisite zoning changes will be discussed next month.
Read more...Local incentives are necessary to ensure Michigan communities can attract renewable energy
As Michigan lawmakers grapple with how to create jobs and a positive business climate, new tax reforms shouldn’t stall the economic progress we’ve already made.
Read more...Plan would build wind turbines in Michigan
A plan from a Texas-based wind farm company that's currently under consideration would build 63 wind turbines in Michigan.
Read more...PSI Repair Services to Showcase Off-Warranty Repair Support at WINDPOWER 2012 Conference ...
Livonia, Michigan - PSI Repair Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries, will showcase its off-warranty repair support for wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) professionals at the WINDPOWER 2012 Conference & Exhibition. PSI Repair Services offers fast, affordable repairs, including upgraded/longer-life products, for out-of-warranty electronic, hydraulic and precision ...
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