wind energy
Your Questions About Wind Turbine Generators For Sale
Robert asks…
Which is the best DIY solar panel/wind turbine program? Real people only, please.?
I’ve been looking at all of the options for installing solar electricity systems online, and I’ve noticed that even the so-called review sites all seem to be part of a sales pitch….haven’t found a single, independent review of any of these products. Has anyone out there actually used any of these (Earth4Energy, HomemadeEnergy, etc.), and if so, how good are they?
admin answers:
If you have noticed that Earth4Energy is a scam (which it is), then you may be amused by my analysis of it at http://www.nlcpr.com/Deceptions6.html
If you want to build a wind turbine yourself (like a good engineer would), then get the following book:
Homebrew Wind Power
A HANDS-ON GUIDE TO HARNESSING THE WIND
Dan Bartmann & Dan Fink
Foreword by Mick Sagrillo
ISBN: 978-0-9819201-0-8
Published by Buckville Publications LLC
You can get this from www.otherpower.com This is a startlingly complete book and it has all the background theory you need too. They explain why, for example, you cant use a car alternator or something from a generator, and then proceed to build alternators from scratch. The references are compete — if you explore them and have the time to read, you will be right up there with the pioneers.
As for DIY solar, you can get the parts (panels, inverters, batteries, charge controllers) individually from many sources and make a system. It will not be cheap. You can’t make your own silicon cells, and probably aren’t up to designing the electronics, can’t make your own batteries etc.
My recommendation is this: Get the wind book. Look through the web sites of some of the better looking solar dealers, and if they seem to be “no bull” then e-mail them and tell them what you want. E.g. An entry level system, 80W panel, battery, inverter and charge controller so that you can make enough power for say, a small laptop. The good ones will be able to tell you what works together.
If you are thinking of a whole home solution, then you have a lot of reading to do. You need to switch to natural gas or propane (no electric heat, electric stove, electric hot water) and absolutely mininize the electrical load.
It would be nice to market a good DIY manual, but with a truthful title like “Generate power at home for more than you are paying now” or “With thirty thousand dollars in equipment, you too can avoid those monthly power bills” sales would be pathetic.
Have fun.
As for “real people” comment, when I see questions like this, I wonder if I am wasting my time because many of the questions are not real either. They are simply created by scammers so that they can add their scam replies and rate it best answer. I find this particilary galling when someone says, “this is for my science fair, and I am 14 years old” and all the answers are Earth4Energy scammers. Other times, I find my comments pasted on fake energy sites with links to pharmaceuticals. It is a mad world out there.
Michael asks…
Does anybody know of any alternative energy companies that offer stock?
or where to find out.
admin answers:
GE electrifies the world by providing reliable, efficient products and services for the energy industry. We help businesses and authorities that generate, transmit or use electricity. We work in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy, as well as with renewable resources such as water and wind energy.
Http://www.gepower.com/home/index.htm
Americas Wind Energy Corporation (AWNE.OB) manufacturing and marketing of medium sized (500 – 1,000 megawatt (MW)) wind turbines for the North American market.
Babcock & Brown Wind Partners (BBWPF.PK) An Australian based specialized investment fund focused on the wind energy generation sector
Gamesa Corp. (GCTAF.PK) 18% of the world’s share of the wind turbine market. Based in Spain.
Kore Holdings (KORH.PK) A power provider and marketer of alternative energy from wind farms, hydro and distributed power facilities.
McKenzie Bay International Ltd. (MKBY.OB) Develops wind powered alternative energy systems.
Mass Megawatts Wind Power Inc. (MMGW.OB) Develops prototype wind energy production equipment.
NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. (NKW.V TSX Venture Exchange) Wind energy developer in the Haida Energy Field off the coast of British Columbia since 2001.
Scottish Power plc (SPI) A leading developer and operator of renewable energy in both the UK and the US. It is one of the largest providers of wind energy in the US.
Shear Wind Inc. (SWX.V Canadian Venture Exchange )Provider of wind-generated energy in Atlantic Canada.
Sea Breeze Power Corp. (SBX.V Canadian Venture Exchange ) Developer of large-scale windfarms and underwater electricity transmission lines in British Columbia.
Tower Tech Holdings Inc. (TWRT.OB) Involved in the engineering, manufacture, and sale of wind turbine extension towers and monopiles to the wind energy industry
Vector Wind Energy Inc. (VWE.V Canadian Venture Exchange ) developer of wind energy projects in Canada.
Vestas Wind Systems (VWSYF.PK) 34% of the world’s share of the wind turbine market. Based in Denmark.
U.S. Wind Farming (USWF.PK) The federal court in Chicago entered a Final Judgment as to U.S. Wind Farming on October 20, 2006.
Western Wind Energy (WNDEF.PK) Produces clean renewable electrical energy from over 500 wind turbine generators located in Tehachapi and San Gorgonio Pass (Palm Springs), California.
Most of your stock brokers or online brokers will help you to invest. Here is a is of brokers that Yahoo came up with:
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=Auvom3gSuh4oaAf7rtI4eqMazKIX/SIG=111gjvvgj/*-http://search.yahoo.com/search?search=stock+brokers&ei=UTF-8&fr=ks-ans&ico-yahoo-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DAmRh_LlDgmwpO3QSkb8_hOAazKIX%2FSIG%3D111gjvvgj%2F*-http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch&ico-wikipedia-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DAlG2aqCnjBEFyYm0aUT7MZ4azKIX%2FSIG%3D11ia1qo58%2F**http%253a%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSpecial%253aSearch&p=stock+brokers
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Wind Power Residential
With the rise of awareness and use of wind power, residential areas are beginning to see more wind turbines. The rising cost of energy and the increased environmental awareness around the world is paving the way for the use of wind power residentially. Today, nations are developing aggressive energy policies that better utilize wind energy, and local economies are seeing the benefits of small scale employment of wind power.
Many companies and factories sell wind power residential kits that are easy to use and understand. Although these kits can cost well into the thousands of dollars, builders can significantly save if they buy the wind power residential kits directly from the factory and assemble them themselves.
By using wind power, residential owners can expect to reduce their utility bills between fifty and ninety percent. In cases where the wind turbines are situated in ideal locations, homeowners can even turn a profit on the energy generation. The concept is easy. When the energy generated is more than the energy used, local utility companies automatically purchase the excess energy. Over a long period time, wind power residential use may be significantly less than the wind power generated causing quite a significant profit for the owner.
Basically, a wind power residential kit is installed (either by the company or the owner), and a wind turbine is situated on top of a tall structure (most likely a tower). The tower collects energy from the wind and converts it into a useable energy source that is compatible with the home system. In typical cases, residences are powered by a combination of wind energy and purchased electricity from a local utility company. As long as the wind speeds are conducive to electricity generation, the residence remains powered by the wind power residential kit. When the wind speeds decline and electricity is not produced, the residence is powered by purchased energy. For residences in particularly windy areas, energy production may be significantly higher than the energy produced in less windy regions.
Homeowners interested in purchasing wind power residential kits should consult their local authorities for local regulations and information about wind power generation in the particular area. Builders should also consult the US Department of Energy for efficiency estimates and information about the size of wind turbines that would be necessary for the area.
In the end, many homeowners have found the economical benefits of wind energy production to be profitable. With the rising cost of energy and transportation, the idea of this investment can be both profitable and practical for homeowners with enough time, patience, and knowledge to make it happen.
Wind Power Plant
With the rising use of wind energy, we are beginning to see the rise of the wind power plant. A wind power plant, or a wind farm, is a cluster of wind turbines used to generate electricity over a large area. Wind energy generation is growing increasingly important as public awareness of environmental issues grows and panic regarding the depletion of fossil fuels increases. Nonetheless, both the conventional power plant industry and the wind power plant industry are important for the current and foreseeable supply of energy.
While most electric and power plants are owned by utility companies, a typical wind power plant is owned by individuals and small businesses. These small owners generate electricity with the intent to sell to utility companies. These independent power producers can generate a hefty profit if their wind power plant is in a desired location. Typically, a wind power plant generates enough energy to sustain its existence. However, wind turbines in prime locations usually generate a surplus of wind energy. Prime locations are areas where the wind speed is greatest and generally unobstructed, such as mountainsides, open fields, and ocean areas.
The growing public awareness and concern for the environment has caused a huge market for environmentally friendly goods and services. This, in conjunction with the widespread panic regarding fossil fuels and the cost of fossil fuel derived energy, has enabled the proliferation of the wind energy market. Wind power plants are offering the public a green energy alternative at an extremely reasonable rate. People will find wind energy especially enticing when they look into the benefits of small scale energy generation.
Apart from wind power plants, small scale energy generators can be incredibly cost efficient and are a great way to keep utility bills low and generate a small profit. Owners of small scale wind energy generators can enjoy typical savings between fifty and ninety percent on their utility bills. As with large scale wind power plants, the excess energy generated is automatically purchased by local utility companies.
Wind energy generation is a zero emissions energy source. The environmentally friendly and economical energy alternative is a great way to bridge the supply and demand gap in the current energy market. Theoretically, the United States can generate enough energy from wind to fulfill all of the nations energy needs. As the wind energy market grows and develops, it is expected that the public will learn the benefits of the alternative energy and will employ it at home. It is not unexpected to see a sharp increase in the small scale wind energy development, as well as the obvious increase in the wind power plant industry.
Wind Power Generators
The rising costs of energy production and the increased public awareness of environmental issues is leaving a wide gap in the alternative energy industry. Over the last decade, the demand for alternative and clean energy sources has paved the way for the steady development of wind energy. Today, nations have developed wind energy policies that greatly utilize wind power generators. Local energy suppliers and even small businesses and residences are also able to benefit from wind power generators.
The cost of energy production and transport is on a steady rise. Nations and localities are beginning to discover just how economical it is to supplement their energy resources by using large scale wind power generators and wind farms. Worldwide, wind power generators have proliferated more than five times over the last seven years. Global demand for cost-efficient productions has significantly contributed to this increase. Also contributing is the growing awareness of environmental issues. It is widely held that wind energy is considerably cleaner than other fossil fuel derived energy sources. Thus, the use of wind power generators is extremely practical.
Residences and small businesses are also seeing the benefits of wind energy. The installation of wind power generators are significantly reducing energy bills, while allowing individuals to contribute to environmental friendly efforts. Wind power generators can also directly put money into the pockets of the generator owners. Some states have enacted energy policies that mandate local energy companies to buy excess energy generated from local wind power generators. Thus, when a homeowner or small business produces more energy than it uses, the excess can be sold for profit.
Many companies sell wind power generators and DIY kits. Most conveniently, workshops, websites, books, and lectures are available for people interested in building their own wind power generators. With a little time, patience, and knowledge, builders can convert energy for personal use.
Wind energy is converted into a useable energy source (usually electricity) by the technology of wind power generators. The productivity of these wind power generators are highly dependent on positioning and wind speed. Generators positioned in the less obstructed areas with greater wind speeds produce more efficiently than others. However, the cost-efficiency of wind energy conversion can be severely diminished if the production of the energy is too distant from the demand center. Thus, wind power generators are most profitable at the local level with low transportation costs.
Thanks to environmental awareness and a high demand for cost-efficient energy production, the use of wind power generators are steadily proliferating and will be for years to come. As nations develop energy plans to accommodate for greater use of wind energy, and local markets continue to push for greater dependency on alternative energy sources, wind power generators are filling a gap in the alternative energy market.
Your Questions About Wind Turbines Oklahoma
Mark asks…
where is wind energy used?
where is wind energy used?
admin answers:
There are areas around the world that are famous for their strong winds.
Wind turbines tend to not be economically competitive unless they are located in these strong wind areas.
With wind energy if you double the speed of the wind you square the amount of energy available
The areas in United States are well documented by the National weather service and other government agencies. The wind maps provided by these agencies show an average watts/ sq meter of wind power available on an yearly average power basis.
Most of the wind areas lie in the flat plain areas of central united states like texas, oklahoma and kansas. There is also great wind areas off the atlantic coast in the new england states areas. There is also great areas in mountainous areas of all our ranges, the sierra nevadas, the rockies and the appalachians.
Most strong winds are either close to big bodies of water or wide open expanses of range land. Trees and low foothills and cities tend to slow air current speeds.
Steven asks…
what is the best MBA program for Indutrail Engineers ?
admin answers:
Personally; I myself, with the economy like it is would go for Environmental Protection, Wind Energy, or other alternative fuels.
Here in Oklahoma, T Boone Pickens; a wealthy oil man, is investing millions in Wind Turbine Technology. I personally have worked with ex-military personal that was going into the Wind Energy field. It is a new thing around here & OG&E will be needing appx. 600 qualified people in the next 5-10 years.
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Your Questions About Wind Turbines Colorado
Paul asks…
Do you have an off-grid home in a cloudy, rainy climate? Would solar panels be worth it?
I’ve been doing a lot of research on places to live when I finish school, and I really think Oregon is the perfect place for me. Me and my boyfriend want to build an off-the-grid house. The thing is, he says we can’t live in Oregon because it’s not sunny enough, and if we relied on solar panels it wouldn’t work out. Is there some other off-grid solution besides solar panels we could use as backup? I don’t know much about wind turbines and how much they would cost. Does anyone living in a rainy, cloudy climate make much use of solar panels? Or should I move to a state that has more days of sunshine (I’ve been considering Colorado)? Suggestions? Thanks.
admin answers:
There are a lot of off-grid houses in Oregon, and many sell their power back during the sunny days to balance the rest of the time. Just do a search on green houses in Oregon to find some of the projects listed. There are also cob houses in Coquille that are quite interesting. But at present. It costs more to get these off grid houses built than they recover. Most folks just starting out can’t afford to do it.
I’m looking for ways and colaborators to take an existing house and pull it off the grid – affordably. Have lots of ideas, but little free time to play with doing them. Would love to share ideas.
Lisa asks…
Are there any government polices concerning wind energy?
I’m writing an essay for my college English class about wind energy and I’m required to include information about a government policy concerning wind, but I cannot seem to find anything. Any websites or helpful information would be greatly appreciated.
admin answers:
You can have a look and pick up some of the following points.
As the Obama administration creates the first U.S. Program to authorize offshore projects to generate electricity from wind and ocean currents, the President deployed the Clean Coal word yet again. We hope this is part of the Obama M.O. Of building bridges, getting buy-in and bailing our of a fool’s enterprise but with a new team of allies board. Link to the transcript below.
Obama said wind could generate as much as 20 percent of the U.S. Electricity demand by 2030 if its full potential is pursued on land and offshore.
“The choice we face is not between saving our environment and saving our economy — it’s a choice between prosperity and decline,” Obama said in his first post-election trip to Iowa, the state that launched him toward the White House. “The nation that leads the world in creating new sources of clean energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy.”
The latest in the ongoing allocation of money coming out of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: The Department of Energy has announced that $93 million has been made available to support wind power. Here’s how that money breaks down:
$43m for Turbine Drivetrain R&D
DOE will provide $45 million directed toward enhancing the federal government’s ability to support the wind industry through testing the performance and reliability of current and next generation wind turbine drivetrain systems. This investment will deliver dependable and cost effective hardware for utility scale wind turbines with over a 20 year design life. Overall, this project will help to improve the country’s competitiveness in wind energy technology, lower capital costs of wind systems, and maintain a high level of wind energy capacity growth.
$14m for ‘Technology Development’
To strengthen its support of the wind industry, DOE will make available $14 million to advance technology development in the private sector. This effort will aim to improve the quality and use of lighter weight, advanced materials for turbine blades, towers, and other components. Another area of emphasis will be process controls for lamination, blade finishing, trimming, grind, painting, materials handling and inspection.
$24m for Wind Power R&D
DOE will provide $24 million for the development of up to three consortia between universities and industry to focus on critical wind energy challenges. These partnerships will allow universities to establish research and development programs to advance material design, performance measurements, analytical models, and work with the industry to improve power systems operations, maintenance and repair, and component manufacturing.
$10m for National Wind Technology Center
DOE will invest $10 million at its own National Wind Technology Center in Colorado. This funding will enhance the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s ability to support the wind industry through testing current and next generation wind turbine drive train systems for better performance and reliability. Additionally, upgrades to the electrical distribution system will permit cost recovery of the power produced by two new utility-scale wind turbines being installed there for testing and evaluation.
Good luck with your essay!
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Wind Power Generation
Wind power generation in the United States has grown by nearly 45 percent in 2007. Rising public awareness of environmental issues and the escalating costs of energy production have significantly contributed to aggressive energy policies around the world as nations clamor for policies that engage alternative energy sources. Wind power generation is a clean and cost-efficient energy source that is widely preferred over fossil fuel based energy sources. In recent years, residential use of wind power generation has exploded exponentially in attempts to save on utility bills, generate profits, and do their part to help the environment.
The concept of wind power generation is not terribly difficult to understand. Basically, wind turbines, which are strategically located, collect and convert wind energy into electricity. The wind turbines are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can convert energy in small localities, and large scale wind farms can convert energy into larger scale electric grids.
On a small scale, wind power generation is extremely cost efficient and can even turn a profit for owners with wind turbines in prime locations. On a larger scale, however, cost efficiency is greatest when wind power generation is used as a supplementary measure. The purchase of wind power generation kits is still highly practical for home or small business use.
Wind power generation for small localities is best employed with purchased electricity as a back-up. Wind energy is the main source of energy to power an area but is supplemented with the purchased energy when wind speed is too low to effectively produce electricity. Conversely, wind energy can be generated to excess and the excess amount of energy will automatically be bought by local utility companies. This is how wind power generation not only saves in utility bills, but puts money directly in the pockets of its owners.
Wind energy is highly renewable. The general consensus is that this form of energy is much cleaner than other alternative energy sources, especially energy sources that are fossil fuel derived. However, there is some debate concerning the placement of wind turbines and wind farms. Because the best sites for wind power generation tend to be in scenic mountain areas and coastal areas, many claim that the aesthetics of wind turbines and wind farms are unnatural and devalue the landscape.
Nonetheless, wind power generation is being steadily employed. The cost-efficiency and environmental friendly nature of the energy source are amazing advantages and should not be ignored. Although the full direct and indirect impact of wind power generation may never be known, wind energy is a practical response to todays energy problems.
Your Questions About Wind Turbine Generators Wiki
David asks…
Can I use electric fan motors as generator?
Here in the philippines air is very windy so i am planning to build a wind turbine.
admin answers:
Yes but you won’t get much current out of it. The wind turbines that you see on top of high poles are huge. They don’t look it from the ground but you could walk around inside them. Also, in order to be practical, you need to hook the generator up to a storage device (batteries) in order to store the electricity (otherwise, you’ll only get current when the wind is blowing). So, it’s not really practical but you should try just for the knowledge of it. Be careful though, you will be working with high voltage and you need to take precautions. The link below is to a wikipedia article on wind power that’s pretty good.
Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
John asks…
How does wind energy work? I know a little, but does anyone have a clearer idea?
I’ve tried some internet sites, but none of them have given me any real idea of how it works except “It turns the blades and generates electricity”
I am really interested in Wind energy, and how it works. Anyone have a somewhat clearer explanation for me? Thanks.
admin answers:
Wind spins turbines which powers a generator. That’s the easy way to explain it. But if you want to know more in detail:
“Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form, such as electricity, using wind turbines. At the end of 2007, worldwide capacity of wind-powered generators was 94.1 gigawatts.[1] Although wind currently produces about 1% of world-wide electricity use,[2] it accounts for approximately 19% of electricity production in Denmark, 9% in Spain and Portugal, and 6% in Germany and the Republic of Ireland (2007 data). Globally, wind power generation increased more than fivefold between 2000 and 2007.[1]
Most wind power is generated in the form of electricity. Large scale wind farms are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can provide electricity to isolated locations. In windmills, wind energy is used directly as mechanical energy for pumping water or grinding grain.
Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces fossil-fuel-derived electricity. The intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind power to supply a low proportion of total demand. Where wind is to be used for a moderate fraction of demand, additional costs for compensation of intermittency are considered to be modest.[3]”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
Hope that helps you. 🙂
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Wind Power for Homes
The use of wind power as an alternative energy source has been steadily rising over the past five years. The year 2007 saw an exponential increase in wind energy development across the country, an increase of 45%. This figure incorporates the national energy development for large businesses but also wind power for homes and residential use. Many people are unaware of the degree of savings and profitability that are available when using wind power for homes and small businesses. Not only are the positive effects economical, but they are environmentally safe as well.
The use of wind power for homes and residences can save homeowners from fifty to ninety percent on their overall utility bills. Savings on the higher end of the spectrum are not uncommon. The initial investment can be a little pricey. The necessary kits for wind power for homes and residences can cost several thousand dollars. However, these investments are usually returned in the form of savings. Sometimes, wind power for homes and residential use can actually generate a profit. The wind turbines create and store the energy generated from the wind. If the energy stored is more than the energy needed to run the home, then the utility company will automatically purchase the excess energy. These profits are most common in areas with prime turbine placements (that is areas with unobstructed and high wind speeds).
Environmental groups are especially eager to promote the use of wind energy. It is widely considered to be a clean, safe, and highly renewable energy resource. This is even truer when comparing the environmental effects of wind energy to other fossil fuel based energy sources. Wind turbines produce no pollution, as they are a zero emissions energy source. A small residential wind turbine will offset approximately 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
Wind power for homes, residences, and businesses does not come without protests. As can be expected there are some objections to this energy alternative, such as turbine placement and noise pollution. However, these objections are constantly being resolved as wind energy technology evolves and develops. Today, wind turbines are much quieter than the previous generation, and produce very little noise. The objections to the placement of the turbines will be a problem that is slightly more difficult to resolve. Since prime locations for wind energy development tend to be in the scenic areas (such as mountainsides, oceans, Oceanside, and open plains), the placement of the turbines continue to obstruct the aesthetics of the natural landscape.
Regardless of the objects and resolutions, wind energy is a clean and practical energy source. Wind power for homes and residential use is not only practical but extremely economical. With a small investment and a long term plan, wind power for homes can be profitable while allowing the homeowner an opportunity to do their part to save the environment.
Wind Power Facts
Wind power usage is on the rise as industry leaders and residential owners are discovering this cost-efficient and environmentally friendly energy alternative. In 2007 alone, the United States expanded its wind power generation by 45%. The American Wind Energy Association, along with many environmental and special interests groups, is dedicated to providing interested parties with wind power facts and information to help promote the use of wind energy.
The US wind power industry spans approximately thirty-four states and generate approximately one percent of the total national energy supply. This one percent represents nearly 4.5 million homes that are powered by wind power. As far as wind power facts and estimates for 2008, the year is expected to render a strong performance that could rival 2007. However, the proliferation of wind energy production is highly dependent on tax credits and business incentives for the wind power industry. Current incentives and estimates are scheduled to terminate at the end of the year.
Wind power facts and estimates are consistently touting the cost efficiency of wind energy as an energy alternative. Residences with wind energy conversion capabilities find significant reductions in their overall utility bills. It is not uncommon for households using a combination of wind energy and purchased energy to see a reduction of fifty to ninety percent on their electric bills. Although the initial investment in wind energy conversion may be steep, wind power facts show that the installment of wind turbines and generators will payoff and may even become profitable. Wind turbines in prime locations, receiving greater unobstructed wind speeds, can produce a surplus amount of energy which is then automatically purchased by the utility company. In this manner, wind power can be directly profitable to owners.
Wind power is globally recognized as a clean and safe energy alternative, much more so than other alternative energy supplies that are fossil fuel derived. However, wind power facts and estimates are constantly changing to accommodate for the quickly evolving wind power technology. What were once considered environmental problems, are being solved and altered in the most unobtrusive ways. For example, it was once true that wind turbines and wind energy generation was quite noisy. Todays wind turbines that incorporate modern technology and engineering are much quieter or are placed in isolated locations. What has remained consistent in wind power facts and information is the cleanliness of production and the renewal of the energy resource.
Theoretically speaking, there is enough wind power in the United States to fulfill all of the nations energy needs. With such a clean and cost-efficient energy alternative at our disposal, it would be practical and economical to research and seriously consider the extended use of wind power.
Wind Power Energy
Wind power energy is growing in popularity. In the year 2007, wind energy generation increased in the United States by 45%. The year 2008 is projected to do the same. Growing concern over environmental issues and the public depletion of fossil fuels leaves many people searching for an economical and practical solution to the energy crisis. Over the past five years, wind power energy has begun to fill the supply and demand gap for energy. In fact, it is estimated that the United States has enough wind power energy to meet the entire nations energy needs.
Wind power energy projects span over thirty five states in the nation. Last year, the United States was one of the worlds leading generators of wind energy, and the energy generated powered millions of homes. Denmark leads the world with energy generation. Due to its relatively small population and great ability to generate, the country was able to supplement a vast amount of its energy needs with wind power energy. All around the world, national and local governments are creating and enacting aggressive energy policies. With the intention to reduce the cost of energy and find a clean alternative, wind power energy is expected to expand exponentially.
Wind energy is a zero emissions energy source, and the wind turbines produce no chemicals or pollution. In fact, over the course of a single residential turbines lifetime, the turbine can offset several tons of pollution that would otherwise be caused by conventional energy means. Additionally, wind power energy is incredibly economical. Residential turbines and turbines used to power small businesses can find a decrease of fifty to ninety percent on their utility bills. These wind turbines can also generate a pretty hefty profit for the turbine owners. When the energy generated from the turbines exceeds the energy needed to power the electric grid of the desired location, the local utility company will automatically purchase the excess energy. For turbine owners with turbines in prime locations, this profit can be quite large.
As the supply and demand for conventional energy diverge, people are turning to alternative energy solutions and are looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly option. The state and national governments in the United States are working diligently to promote energy programs to help solve the growing crisis. Some small business owners and residences are taking the initiative and producing their own energy. Investors looking for a great return in a budding market should seriously consider wind power energy initiatives. The available tax credits and affordability of wind generators make the offer appealing.
Wind Power Companies
Wind power is the fastest growing alternative energy source in the world. As such, it can be expected that wind power companies are proliferating as entrepreneurs are beginning to see the practical and economic benefits of wind energy conversion. Since the beginning of the millennium, wind power companies have been emerging as leaders in the energy industry. The environmentally friendly and economically practical nature of wind energy is a huge factor in the proliferation of the market. Currently wind power companies are broken down into two main categories: commercial scale and small scale.
Commercial scale wind power companies are dedicated to large scale turbines that generate 100 kW or greater and are generally connected to a large grid system. These companies are extremely complex and offer many resources for nations and large businesses that are looking into this beneficial energy alternative. Small scale wind power companies are simpler yet increasingly customer oriented. These companies offer installation services and general consultants for customers. Their customers tend to be individuals and small businesses. Individuals looking to save a bundle on wind power installation can buy wind energy kits straight from the wind power company and install the converters themselves. This is probably the best option for builders with a little time, patience, and knowledge of electric grids.
As more nations take aggressive energy policies in the direction of wind energy conversion and less dependency on fossil fuel derived energy sources, the wind power companies will continue to grow. This is great for environmentalists and those worried about the fate of nations dependent on foreign energy sources.
Wind energy is highly renewable and widely believed to be environmentally safe. However, the biggest debate regarding wind energy is over the placement of unsightly turbines. Since the best locations for wind power generation are open fields, mountainsides, and Oceanside, complaints are made that the turbines disrupt the natural aesthetics of the areas. While this is concerning, modern wind farms are continuously being built in these areas and no other environmental effects are seen. Though, the full scope of direct and indirect consequences of increased wind energy usage may never be seen.
The wind power companies are touting their environmental friendliness and cost-efficient product. As a zero emissions energy source and economical alternative to fossil fuel derived energy, the wind power industry is growing exponentially. In fact, the clean energy is beginning to fill the supply-demand disparity that has been growing in the United States for years. From nations to home residences, everyone has the capabilities to do their share for the environment.
Wind Mill Power
For hundreds of years, communities have used wind mill power to meet their energy needs. From the simple vertical axle windmills of ancient Persia to the modern electricity generators of contemporary communities, the use of wind mills is constantly evolving. Today, the term wind mill power is commonly used in reference to grinders and pumps, while the term wind turbine is commonly used for the wind mill power that generates electricity. Nonetheless, wind turbines are a modern design of the wind mill, although the term is a bit antiquated.
The first use of wind mill power dates to early writings of the seventh century, though the date of the anecdote is debatable. Nonetheless, the earliest wind mills used six to twelve sails of reed or cloth material. The power was used to grind corn or pump water. By the twelfth century, wind mill power and aesthetics were evolving in Europe. During the thirteenth century, the Chinese used the wind mill power to irrigate crops. The bases of the wind mills were becoming smaller and rounder, and communities were broadening the uses of wind energy. Although the technology was still rudimentary, the pumps and grinds were being used for various goods. The types of wind mills and the uses of the wind mill power vary greatly throughout the generations and regions.
Today, wind mill power is best used to generate electricity. This contemporary design of wind mill power is called wind turbines or wind generators. Wind mills, or wind turbines, are increasing in quantity and use around the globe. In 2007, the United States increased its wind energy generation by 45%. The estimates for 2008 appear the same. Environmental concerns and panic regarding the depletion of fossil fuels leads to regained interest in wind energy. Theoretically, the United States can generate enough wind energy to meet the energy demands of the entire nation. The area of the United States with the most potential for wind energy generation is the Midwest, and wind energy companies are currently developing wind farms in the area.
Although wind mill power is an ancient concept, the modern applications of the design can be extremely beneficial to current civilizations. The economic and environmental benefits of modernizing the old-fashioned wind mills are highly practical. Interest in wind power is increasing due to the unfortunate circumstances regarding the depletion of fossil fuels and the rising public awareness of environmental issues. The concerns regarding the economy and the individual need for cost efficiency is creating a huge market for wind energy and wind mill power.
Residential Wind Power
Wind energy conversion is steadily proliferating as the average cost of energy increases. As more individuals are becoming environmentally aware, clean alternative energy sources that are cost-efficient are being sought at an extremely high rate. The use of residential wind power is exploding exponentially as individuals and builders are discovering the many benefits of generating their own electricity with wind power generators.
Residential wind power is relatively easy to understand. Basically, a wind turbine is installed on a tall tower. This turbine converts wind energy into electricity that is compatible with a residential electrical system. The wind energy is used in conjunction with power purchased from the local utility company. When wind speeds are conducive to energy production, energy is produced and stored. This energy is used for the home and the excess energy is automatically purchased by the local utility company. In situations when wind speeds are not conducive to significant amounts of energy production, wind energy is used in conjunction with purchased electricity. In some cases, wind speeds are too low to convert into electricity. In this scenario, the purchased energy is used.
Typically, residential wind power systems can save homeowners between fifty and ninety percent of their total electric bills. Individual savings are highly dependent on local conditions. Location of turbines and wind speed are highly variable factors that contribute to the energy conversion. Homeowners in unobstructed areas with high wind speeds can even make a profit on their residential wind power systems. Simply put, if the energy produced is greater than the energy used, homeowners generate a profit from the excess energy that will be bought by the local utility company.
Homeowners interested in residential wind power systems will need to do some research to determine the size of turbine needed for their specific home. In most cases, however, it is not economically justifiable for the homeowners to conduct the timely and exact wind measurements. Luckily, the US Department of Energy can provide sufficient estimates for expected wind performance. It is always advisable to consult with local authorities to ensure the rules and regulations for construction and maintenance are being met.
The initial investment for residential wind power systems can be several thousand dollars. Although this may seem pricey, the long term economic benefits of residential wind power production significantly counterbalance the initial investment. For the greatest savings, interested persons can choose to purchase the wind generator kits directly from the factories and assemble the systems themselves. Homeowners with a little time, patience, and knowledge will find residential wind power to be cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Plans for Homebuilt Wind Power
As the wind energy market grows and changes, many residences and small business owners are developing plans for homebuilt wind power. Homebuilt wind power has many great and far-reaching advantages. Its economical and environmental benefits cannot be overlooked. However, there are a few factors that should be examined before beginning plans for homebuilt wind power. Location and production are important and detrimental to wind energy production. With enough research and patience, any home or small business owner will be able to reap the benefits of this amazing energy alternative.
Homebuilt wind power has many advantages. The two main reasons for home wind energy production are economical and environmental. Typically, a homeowner can save between fifty and ninety percent on their overall utility bills with the integration of homebuilt wind power to their electric grid. In some cases, the generation of wind energy can exceed the local energy use. In these cases, the utility company will purchase the excess energy from the homeowner. Wind energy is also a zero emissions energy source. The amount of environmental damage that wind energy offsets is astounding. Wind power is globally recognized as one of the cleanest energy sources, even more so when comparing it to fossil fuel derived energy sources.
Plans for homebuilt wind power should include a budget and plans for construction. Homeowners with a larger budget may purchase a home wind power kit from a factory and pay for installation. Other homeowners with a smaller budget may find it more economical to purchase the kit from a factory but install the wind energy generation system themselves. This is entirely possibly and can save the builder thousands of dollars. Both are viable options with entirely different budgets. Nonetheless, there is a wind energy kit to suit both needs.
Once the decision has been made to go forth with plans for homebuilt wind power, decisions must be made as to the location of the wind turbine. For optimal performance, builders need to pick a location with unobstructed and high wind speeds. The best locations for wind turbines tend to be in open fields, Oceanside, and mountainside. It is also important to consider others in the area. Although the technology has developed in a way that noise pollution is no longer a problem, others in the area may have concerns about the unsightliness of a turbine or satellite interference. However founded or unfounded their concerns may be, it is in the best interest to consult with concerned parties.
Developing plans for homebuilt wind power is great for homeowners looking to save money with a small (or large) investment. It is also a great way for a homeowner to do their part for the global campaign for environmentally friendly goods and services. No matter the reason, homebuilt wind power is a great option.
Your Questions About Wind Turbines Oklahoma
Paul asks…
do you think wind energy is viable if the government decides to stop extending subsidies?
. Energy from wind power is becoming an increasingly significant source of energy, considering that the price of oil is getting dearer. This is especially so for oil-deficient developing nations like India which meet their energy needs by importing oil. Providing facts and figures, analyze the opportunities and challenges that wind energy companies face in setting up wind farms in India.
admin answers:
Hi there, I work for one of the world’s leading renewable energy consultancies. While my background is more technical in nature (I’m an engineer), I’ll take a shot at answering your question.
Wind energy certainly is viable in many parts of the world without subsidy. We came dangerously close to finding out exactly how viable it would be this year in the U.S., when an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) was extended into 2009 at the last minute as one of the “sweeteners” that got the $700 billion Wall St bailout passed.
Http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/nicholas/insider/thegreengrok/the-700-billion-bailout-bill-goes-green-not-quite
The current subsidy for wind energy in the U.S. Is PTC, which is a tax credit currently equal to 2 cents per kWh. The price for electricity varies significantly by region, so some regions are more closely tied to the PTC than others to make the economics of a wind project work out. For example, the price for electricity is only about 4.5 cents per kWh in the Midwest (e.g. Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota), so that extra 2 cent per kWh makes a huge difference. In other parts of the country (California, Hawaii, New England), the price of electricity is over 10 cents per kWh, so the 2 cent tax credit is relatively less valuable there.
The bottom line is that there are several places under development now in the U.S. That are good enough to justify being built without the 2 cents per kWh tax credit – these select locations are very windy, close to a transmission line, and/or in areas with high electricity prices. Without the subsidy, the growth of wind energy in the United States (same goes for the rest of the world, to my knowledge) would be severely affected. Thousands of people would be laid off, a significant portion of projects would be canceled, and we’d all go back to burning lots of cheap and dirty coal, nuclear, hydro, and finally natural gas to fill off the balance of our energy needs.
Regarding your question about oil imports in countries like India, I think you might be slightly misguided. Wind energy does not provide fuel for transportation, just electricity. Until we have a way to develop the hydrogen economy (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hydrogen-economy.htm, convert electricity to hydrogen fuel, distribute it through a nationwide infrastructure we don’t have, and put it in cars that are currently cost-prohibitive), we will remain addicted to oil. The alternative to oil (for now) is ethanol. Especially in places like Brazil, which have plenty of land and a great climate for growing sugar cane ethanol rather than the subsidized corn ethanol we produce here in the U.S.
Wind energy is the cheapest form of renewable energy currently available, and it will get cheaper in the coming years as the credit crisis corrects what has been a massive seller’s market for wind turbines in the last few years. Competition in wind turbine manufacturing is up, and the cost of steel (the 80 m towers) and cement (the massive foundations) is down. These factors will lead to wind energy becoming cheaper in the next few years. Wind energy can be cost-competitive with natural gas, offsetting our need for this finite resource and (hopefully) lowering prices for consumers. That’s the long-term benefit of the subsidy – get the industry built up now so we will be well set for a future of increasingly scarce oil and natural gas, which will be imported from unstable regions of the world.
Ken asks…
how many wind turbines would it take to power the united states?
not quite sure how to figure it out myself, i’ve never really been good at math! anyone who can explain how to do it and what i need to find out, or just tell me the answer, please help!
admin answers:
Hey Sunshine, here’s a better way to word your question: How much real estate would it take to install the wind turbines necessary to power the United States? There is no real answer to how many turbines because they vary in size and output depending on the wind variations where they are installed. A turbine in Oklahoma might have different blade configurations than one in North Dakota because in one state, the winds blow really hard in the fall and winter, in the other, they blow fairly steady all year. But here is something you can bite into: “There is enough wind in North and South Dakota to power the entire country.” That was made about 15 years ago after the American Wind Energy Association did some research on the subject. It would be stupid to install all the wind turbines there, because we would waste lots of it running it through millions of miles of transmission lines, but you get the idea.
The real beauty of wind power is that it is spread fairly evenly over the middle third of our globe, which is where most of the people live. So we can put turbines near population centers and reduce how much we ship around, taking the load off our grid, and reducing air pollution from coal fired plants and other traditional sources. There are some great places to look into this subject, I will list some below. Take care, Rudydoo
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Your Questions About Wind Turbine Jobs
Nancy asks…
What employment opportunities can we get from wind energy industries?
What are some jobs or careers offered by wind turbine manufacturing companies and industries of wind turbines technology?
admin answers:
Aerodynamic engineering and a turbo charger.
William asks…
I would like to relocate myself and my family to Europe, where do I start?
My husband would like to find a job that will relocate us. My dad also would like to find a job. They both do electrical work. We first thought about wind turbine companies. We don’t know which ones will relocate.
admin answers:
Bechtel National is a good company to look into. Their employees are often known as “Bechtel Families” because they encourage the families to re-locate for different jobs, thus resembling a situation similar to the military. It’s also a good choice, because they have everything from office work to heavy manual labor, so there’s a wide range of jobs.
As for choosing a country, I’d honestly start at Wikipedia, researching religions, monetary exchange, school systems (if applicable to you), weather, average cost of living and so on. It would certainly be horrible to wind up in a nation where you aren’t catching onto the language (if different from what you speak) or the cost of living was so drastically different that you didn’t realize your job wasn’t going to be as good as you thought! Keeping that in mind, it might be wise to go on a vacation to a handful of countries to see if they’re as good a fit in person as they appeared to be in a traveler’s guide.
Good luck
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Home Wind Power Generator
The rising cost of energy and the increased public awareness of the environment have led many families, businesses, and nations to significantly increase the utilization of this renewable energy source. With a little bit of determination and know-how, individuals are building a personal home wind power generator to supplement their home energy supplies and greatly reduce the cost of their electricity bills.
The concept of a home wind power generator is easy to understand. Basically, strategically located wind turbines collect and convert wind energy into electricity. These wind turbines are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can convert energy in small localities, and large scale wind farms can convert energy into larger scale electric grids.
Builders should look into several factories and manufacturers in order to purchase the correct home wind power generator to fulfill their specific needs. A home wind power generator can come in a variety of sizes and styles. If the goal is to generate an electricity supply for the household, one particular kit may be needed. If the primary goal is to generate a surplus of electricity to sell back to the energy market, an entirely different kit may be needed. Picking the appropriate home wind power generator is highly dependent on the wind conditions in a particular area. A larger or smaller turbine may be necessary depending on these factors.
Basically, a home wind power generator is installed, and a wind turbine is situated on top of a tall tower. The tower collects energy from the wind and converts it into a useable energy source that is compatible with the home system. In typical cases, residences are powered by a combination of wind energy and purchased electricity from a local utility company. As long as the wind speeds are conducive to electricity generation, the residence remains powered by the home wind power generator. When the wind speeds decline and electricity is not produced, the residence is powered by purchased energy. For residences in particularly windy areas, energy production may be significantly higher than the energy produced in less windy regions.
A homebuilt wind power generator has many advantages. The two main reasons for home wind energy production are economical and environmental. Typically, a homeowner can save between fifty and ninety percent on their overall utility bills with the integration of homebuilt wind power to their electric grid. In some cases, the generation of wind energy can exceed the local energy use. In these cases, the utility company will purchase the excess energy from the homeowner. Wind energy is also a zero emissions energy source. The amount of environmental damage that wind energy offsets is astounding. Wind power is globally recognized as one of the cleanest energy sources, even more so when comparing it to fossil fuel derived energy sources.
Many factors contribute to the ultimate decision to invest in a home wind power generator. However, the benefits are economical and practical. Builders interested in a long term investment that is predicted to yield profits and savings, should seriously consider a home wind power generator.
