25
GET FREE ELECTRICITY
FROM THE AIR
Wind turbines generating electricity have been in use for decades as a primary source of
power or to supplement diesel power generation in remote and isolated locations.
However, wind power generation worldwide has damage both the turbine and the roof, and reduce its
increased five-fold since 2000, and the past few efficiency (to 0.5 kW at best) and lifetime (normally 20-
years have seen the technology leap ahead in terms 25 years) drastically.
of generation capacity, efficiency and affordability.
Wind turbines can work well in cities but make
And as with any developing technology, gains have sure you speak to an unbiased specialist before
been made in the area of miniaturization, to the point proceeding. The suitability of a location has to be
where installing a small rooftop turbine in an urban assessed, since the “wind footprint” of buildings can
setting has become a possibility. Such a system vary considerably, depending on local topography
costs in the region of $2,500-$8,000, theoretically and obstructions.
has a capacity of 1 kW, and is able to provide about
25 percent of the annual power consumption of a If you have a suitable location outside town in an
typical home. open area with strong prevailing winds (preferably
on a hilltop), you could consider a more powerful
However, some firms selling home wind turbine system, such as a 6 kW turbine costing in the $15-
generation systems make exaggerated claims about 25,000 range. This price includes the turbine, mast,
the potential of rooftop turbines in urban areas. inverter (for converting DC to AC current), batteries
Blowing around heavily built-up areas, wind becomes and installation. A turbine of this size could power an
turbulent, subjecting the turbine and your roof to office or small manufacturing installation completely,
heavy structural stresses. This can be enough to potentially with a surplus.
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