Questions To Answer In Buying Wind Turbines

The use of wind turbine system has been slowly increasing in popularity because of people's recently developed environmental consciouness. These days, anyone can buy wind turbines because they are readily purchased in retail outlets. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on what the people, companies and industries need.

For those who decided to buy, install and maintain a wind turbine system, one must be aware of the long-term commitments. But at the same time if you remain true to your commitment, you will be rewarded with long-term benefits.

Before you buy wind turbine, you need to answer the following questions:

What benefits to expect from using a wind turbine system?

For your home use (up to 1 KW), wind turbines can provide off-grid power to irrigation systems and pumps, area lighting, telecommunications and navigation equipment including seasonal loads and small remote sites. Prices for this small equipment may range from $2,800-$3,000 per KW but with the installation cost, these range doubly increases from $5,000-$7,000 per KW. However, the power of these equipment and the benefit will still depend on the wind resource present in your location, otherwise how much are you willing to pay for electricity without it and the premium you give to having an independent, clean and fuel-free electricity source.

Is my project site appropriate for a wind turbine?

To answer this, it is always best to refer to wind maps to guide you whether your area gets ample wind on an annual basis or not. Usually, small wind turbines have a requirement of a minimum 15 km/hr (4 m/s) wind speed for it to operate. Although, this is not the ultimate indicator of the suitability of your site for the wind project especially for off-grid applications. Wind turbines should always be mounted on higher places. For this requirement, you need to check with your local permitting agency on the specific height requirements and the possible setbacks. Generally, wind turbines are not allowed in your home rooftop and in other's.

What is the best turbine for my project site?

For this, you need to buy wind turbine that matches your electricity consumption. And from this you need to know first your annual consumption in kWh. To match the output of the turbine to your needs, this should be brought to you by the wind source available and the length of the rotor blades. A "balance of system" (BOS) is also needed, which includes circuit breakers, cables, batteries, inverter switches and meters. These equipment are not usually supplied by the turbine manufacturer. For the other equipment needed, you should look for a manufacturer that offers a minimum 5-year warranty service and certified equipment that can be bought from a reputable authorized dealer. For turbines, buy those backed with a good performance record over the years.

How to get approval for my installation?

The first thing you need to do here is to inform your neighbors about your plan to install a wind turbine and answer possible concerns they might have. They must be assured by your answers. In this way, you are able to clear future oppositions. Second, you need to secure a building permit and pass electrical and building code inspections.

Who can install my turbine?

Do not attempt to install your wind turbines unless you are knowledgeable and experienced about the technology. There are wind dealers and installers who can help you with this. Refer to them for professional installers and ask for three different quotes to compare prices.

How to keep my system running well?

Like any equipment, wind turbines need regular maintenance service. However, since it is mounted in a tower, this takes more than just the regular maintenance. You must be knowledgeable and trained in tower safety and should have the necessary special equipment. Or better yet, hire a professional to do the job for you. Inquire with your dealer about maintenance contracts.

Having your own wind turbine system certainly comes with responsibilities. Fulfill those responsibilities and you will surely be rewarded with its benefits.

 

 

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Buy Wind Turbine News:

 

Solamon Promotes Boonen to VP; Targets Fast-Growing South East Asia - PR.com (press release)

Solamon Promotes Boonen to VP; Targets Fast-Growing South East Asia
PR.com (press release)
The company now also designs and installs custom solutions with local partners to provide roof-mounted and parking lot systems that could be easily augmented by micro wind turbine technology. EURśOur systems can be tied into the grid, or not,EURť concludes .

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NStar, Northeast Utilities agree to buy Cape Wind power to facilitate merger
BOSTON EUR” Energy companies Northeast Utilities and NStar have agreed to buy more than a quarter of the power produced by the long-planned Cape Wind offshore wind farm as a condition of a proposed deal that unites the companies, state officials announced Wednesday...


Sunair develops solar-wind hybrid power generator for rooftops - Hindu Business Line

Sunair develops solar-wind hybrid power generator for rooftops
Hindu Business Line
The 'micro hybrid power generator' consists of a 1.7-KW wind turbine and a 1.1-KW capacity solar module, an inverter and batteries for 230-V AC output, and costs about Rs 4.5 lakh. The system is not tied to the grid and is independent of the power .

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SDG&E TO BUY MORE SOLAR AND WIND POWER
The electric utility serving San Diego has signed contracts to purchase energy from a solar installation planned in the Imperial Valley and a wind farm under construction in the Tehachapi region near Rosamond...


2 New England utilities agree to buy wind power
2 New England utilities agree to buy wind power Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Updated 04:49 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2012 BOSTON (AP) EUR” Energy companies Northeast Utilities and NStar have agreed to buy more than a quarter of the power produced by the long-planned Cape Wind ...


Cape Wind Project: Northeast Utilities And NStar Buy Stake In Offshore Wind Farm
BOSTON (AP) EUR” Energy companies Northeast Utilities and NStar have agreed to buy more than a quarter of the power produced by the long-planned Cape Wind offshore wind farm as a condition of a proposed merger, state officials announced Wednesday...


REenergy Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Deploys Ioxus Ultracapacitors for Wind Turbine Pitch Systems
Ioxus, Inc., a manufacturer of premium performance ultracapacitor technology for transportation, alternative energy, medical, industrial and consumer product markets, today announced it is providing ultracapacitors for pitch control and main control systems independently researched and developed by REenergy Electric Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of wind turbine power control systems in Suzhou, China...


 

 

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