Wind power systems harness the power of nature to enhance our present lives and conserve our future energy. Wind power doesn’t contribute to the issue of global warming, nor does it release pollution into the air. A sustainable form of fuel, wind power is one of the most rapidly growing natural energy sources in the world.
Wind turbines (once called windmills) generate power when wind blows against the vertical, propeller-like blades. The blades are connected to a rotor, which is in turn connected to the shaft. The shaft turns an electricity-creating generator.
The potential of wind-generated energy has been increasing steadily over the last decade. According to Energy.gov, the cumulative wind power capacity in the U.S. has increased around 30% per year, generating more wind energy than any other country except for China. Simply by working with the power of the wind over the next three decades, the U.S. can potentially avoid the emission of a considerable amount of greenhouse gases and about 260 gallons of water, reports the Department of Energy. Clearly, residential wind power and off grid wind power systems are the way of the future.
Home wind energy costs an estimated four to six cents per kilowatt hour; in most cases, a wind turbine will often pay for itself within a few years’ time. After it pays for itself, you can effectively reap the considerable benefits of free wind power. Small residential wind turbine systems may be able to cut over 50% off of household utility bills.
