Wind Power - Wind Energy Systems
 Installing Wind Power is actually easier and less expensive than you might think. If you're new to the technology or know a little bit about this form of renewable energy, perusing the FAQ below will help fill in some areas of information.
- What is wind energy?
- What is a Wind Turbine, and how does it work?
- Is it noisy?
- I'm out in a very rural area and get my TV from antenna. Will my reception be affected?
- What about days when the wind isn't blowing?
- What can you tell me about the affect of wind turbines on birds?
- Do the towers come separately? Will I need one?
- Is it cost effective for me to buy a wind energy system?
- How long will the turbine last and what about maintenance?
- What size system will I need for my home, business, industrial or government project?
- Does "Net Metering" apply with wind energy in the same way that it does for solar power?
- How much does it cost to purchase and install a wind energy system?
- If I go with a wind-only renewable energy system, will I have batteries as a back-up like there are for solar power systems?
1. What is wind energy?
To be brief as possible, wind comes from the differences in temperature (uneven heating from sun) across the surface of the earth. As such, wind is actually the product of solar energy. Air moves between warmer and cooler regions, and other factors (such as the Earth’s rotation, terrain, etc) come in to play that result in what wind speed you experience at any given place, time or altitude.
Once created, though, wind is a form of kinetic (movement) energy. Harnessing this kinetic energy means mechnical energy (ie. polder mills in the Netherlands that move water in canals and waterways) or electrical energy can be created.
2. What is a Wind Turbine, and how does it work?
A wind turbine may remind you of a fan. However, it works in exact opposition of a fan. Wind causes the blades of the turbine to begin rotating. The blades are connected to a shaft which connects to the generator. Once the generator begins to spin, electricity is created. With many wind turbines, you can realize electrical energy creation at speeds as little as 4.5 mph.
Below is an image that shows in great detail what makes up a typical wind turbine.
3. Is it noisy?
Recent technological changes have made great improvements with noise. Beyond this, any noise that does develop depends on the wind turbine type and size. Turbines for residential purposes create some noise. Most people are able to easily ignore it without any effort at doing so.
4. I'm out in a very rural area and get my TV from antenna. Will my reception be affected?
No, your reception will not be affected.
5. What about days when the wind isn't blowing?
If you are grid-tied, then you’ll get your energy needs covered by your utility company. However if your wind energy system (or wind-solar hybrid system) is large enough to handle all your needs, then either your solar panels will pick up the slack, or the back-up batteries will fill in the gaps should solar energy not be available at that time.
6. What can you tell me about the affect of wind turbines on birds?
Just as there have been improvements with noise, much has been learned with regard to turbine placement and migratory bird routes. This has resolved or greatly reduced the negative impact turbines once had with birds.
7. Do the towers come separately? Will I need one?
Towers tall enough to escape the turbulence created by buildings, ground objects and trees are furnished with each wind energy system. Since wind turbine performance increases with altitude, the tallest, safest, most economical tower will be recommended for your project.
There are a couple different types of towers with different pros and cons. We’ll be glad to meet with you to discuss the tower options that would best suit your needs.
8. Is it cost effective for me to buy a wind energy system?
Yes, with the incentives that are currently in place, you can realize a return on your investment in approximately 5 years (possibly less). Once your system has paid for itself via your electrical savings and the current tax incentives, your electricity is practically free.
9. How long will the turbine last and what about maintenance?
Most turbines last at least 20 years, if not longer because they have few moving parts. As such, regular maintenance is not needed.
10. What size system will I need for my home, business, industrial or government project? Each project is different. This depends on your average monthly and yearly draw, when your peak electrical usage is, and how much of your current electrical usage you wish to cover.
We’ll need to consult with you, directly. We’ll have many questions to ask you and a visit to your home or project’s site will be required before we can accurately answer this question.
11. Does "Net Metering" apply with wind energy in the same way that it does for solar power?
Yes, “net metering” works in the same way it does when you utilize solar energy. In order to take advantage of net metering, you’ll need to have a second meter installed on your property to gauge the amount of excess electricity your system has created that was pushed back in to your utility company’s grid. Your utility company reads this meter in order to determine the net balance between the amount of electricity your property was fed from the company and how much you pushed back to them.
12. How much does it cost to purchase and install a wind energy system?
Installations for small projects (such as a residential home or some businesses) can run anywhere from $6500 to $25,000 depending on size, nature of your requirements and manufacturer availability, etc.
13. If I go with a wind-only renewable energy system, will I have batteries as a back-up like there are for solar power systems?
If you are still connected to the utility company (ie. grid-tied), you will not have batteries as your back-up. Your utility company functions as your backup. The only time you'll have batteries is if you go completely off-the-grid, meaning all your electrical energy is generated by the wind.
In some parts of Georgia, going completely off the grid with wind energy, only, probably isn't a good idea. You'll need to supplement with another form of renewable energy (via a hybrid system) such as solar power if you successfully want to accomplish this goal.
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