While doing some research at Green Products we ran across a new generation of windmills. This new generation of windmill has conquered many of the problems that have inundated many productions windmills, even up to the recent past — mostly over-speed problems and initial wind power required to start the windmill.
Modern designs and new lighter, stronger materials have come together to produce windmills that will last for many years without costly repairs. In fact, most of the major producers are offering five-year manufacturer’s guarantees.
So how does it all work? There are two types of basic windmills in production: the propeller driven and the vertical driven designs. You need a picture of the vertical one. Both types of windmill are connected to a generator. The output from the generator is run through an inverter/converter to an electrical meter, which in turn is connected to your home meter. Since most meters are designed to be able to run backwards, they can be used to record your windmill’s output.
The net meter is designed to rotate in either direction. When it rotates clockwise, you are storing electricity for future use. When the meter is rotating counter-clockwise, you are being charged for electricity. If at the end of your billing cycle you have put more in reserve than you used, you won’t be billed for that month. Now that would be nice!
What are your risks? Generally just 2. The first is cash outlay – and the time it will take to pay off your initial purchase price before you see any savings, or as accountants like to call it, your Return on Investment (ROI). The other area of risk is mechanical failure. Just like any mechanical device, the better you maintain it the longer it will last.
One of the nice offsets is the rebates and tax credits you will get for installing a unit. In some cases, $11,000 or more is paid to you to offset the cost of the windmill. In California, this could bring the cost of install down to around 4,600 dollars.
In order to install one, your must first check to see if your have the space the unit will need. Then, will local code allow you to erect a 35-50 foot monopole? And finally, does the city have codes in place to prevent the installation (and/or prohibitive fees)? This could be a godsend for a small farm or a business in an unincorporated section of town.
In our next article from Green Products, let’s see what it would take to get completely off the electrical grid. Is it possible?
Michael
