Changes in the climate are a threat to the future of the environment, and one of the major causes is the use of fossil fuels for power in our homes. Making some lifestyle changes such as using renewable energy combined with energy efficiency is a viable solution to reducing or eliminating the effects of global warming.
With so much concern over global warming and the effects of fossil energy on the environment, many commercial firms are opting for renewable energy.
Governments are also looking for ways to urge residential users to consider these sources for home use.
Cost-effective, efficient and non-polluting, wind power is the fastest growing source of energy in the world. Efforts are underway in many places for education and grants to assist homeowners with the expense of installing a small-scale wind turbine.
Wind Power for Homes Generator
A wind turbine converts the power of the wind into electricity.
The most common turbine design is that of three blades that are mounted on a horizontal axis, which gives it the ability to rotate into the wind while mounted on a tall tower.
The blades on the turbine drive a generator in order to produce electricity. This is accomplished whether directly or by using a gearbox. This electricity can then link into the grid or charge batteries.
If you form a connection to the national grid, you can export any excess to the grid and sell it to your local power company.
DIY Wind Power for Homes – Planning Permissions
In some places, permission may be required to install a wind turbine at your home.
In the United Kingdom, for example, current legislation requires planning permission for domestic wind turbines as well as other similar small wind energy installations that do not benefit from Permitted Development Rights.
The Small Wind Guidebook from the US Department of Energy helps homeowners, ranchers, and small business owners decide if wind energy will work for them
Other countries may have similar legislation, so if you are contemplating installing a small scale wind turbine at your home, make certain that you contact the proper authorities in your area to obtain any permission that you may need, including that of zoning regulations in your subdivision.
When a wind turbine is fixed to a house in a way that will affect its external appearance, it is considered additional development of the house.
If it is installed on a wall, that places it into another category, and if it meets the requirements of that category, permission is not necessary.
If the turbine is installed on the roof, and there are no height restrictions, or your turbine falls within the guidelines of the height restrictions, no planning permission is necessary.
Because of the positive effects that renewable energy potentially has on the environment, many governments are looking to remove some restrictions in order to make it easier for residential customers to install wind turbines as their primary source of power.
Wind Power for Homes Installation
Regardless of where you live, there are likely to be certain procedures that you need to follow when installing a small-scale wind turbine.
Since the process is likely to be one that is rather costly, making sure that you have all the permissions you need initially will save you from having to redo the project later in order to comply with zoning codes and other regulations.
When you install a wind turbine, it should be placed in an area that is the most likely to minimize the noise so that it does not create a disturbance for the neighbours.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, when you plan the installation of your wind turbine, that most places will not give permission for any turbines on the fronts of buildings due to the possibility of a detrimental visual effect.
On the other hand, if you choose to hire a professional installer for your wind turbine, it is likely that none of the cautions will be of importance because professionals know the laws and restrictions.
You will pay someone else to know where you can place your turbine, and the best kind of small-scale turbine to purchase for the location where you plan to use it.