Category — Renewable Energy

Has the time really come where the world could be potentially self sustainable in terms of its energy supply and demand? Well sadly the answer to that is, not yet. However one step closer to achieving this is roof wind turbine power. Roof wind turbine models have been on the market for a number of years now but they are really coming into age as they are becoming more efficient, cheaper and easier to install.

Previous roof wind turbine models were overly bulky, not highly efficient and quite limited in their operating conditions. The period of time to pay back these models in regards to the money you would save using them was extremely long due to their cost to buy and install. Taking into consideration their maintenance costs this pushed the return period even further back. The newer roof wind turbine models can usually be installed by a good electrician and a far less costly.

Wind turbines are a booming industry. Who really wouldn't want to be independent from the Grid. It makes sense in so many ways. The roof wind turbine market only makes up a small share of this market but it is growing in leaps and bounds as people wish to take the renewable option to save money and help the planet.

In terms of the pay back period of the latest roof wind turbine devices you are looking at about 5 years compared to up to 20 years for ones you would have bought 4 years ago.

If you buy a small scale wind turbine system before December 2016 you will receive a 30 percent rebate from the government. This applies to wind turbine units with capacity under 100 kilowatts.

The latest models of wind turbines have eliminated the need for a tower to be erected to hold the devices as they now attached directly to your rooftop. This has gotten rid of two main problems. One being the need to get approval to erect a tower and the other reducing the costs dramatically as an expensive tower is not required.

The greatest advance in wind turbine technology has been the replacement of a gear and gearbox system. These systems required a wind of 7-8mph just to start the gears turning, obviously reducing efficiency. Almost a 25% reduction resulting from the initial power required as well as the loss of energy in the gear box. To replace the gear system modern engineers have used hubs and bearings and instead of a gear box magnets are used to generate electricity. New systems also boast greater wind acceptance scope as well as turbine blades which can easily be taken off and replaced in the event of damage.

Fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources cannot last forever. We are simply running out of them, and prices are skyrocketing. We need to change the way we use energy and the way we generate energy in order to make sure our lifestyle remains sustainable over the long-term.

Many people have already begun to think this way. Problems that we have previously had with renewable energy have been solved and new engineering breakthroughs have allowed us to take the next steps toward a completely sustainable future.

With good blueprints, even homeowners inexperienced in engineering or construction can create their own renewable energy sources, such as wind power generators.

Homebuilt wind turbines can make as much power to reduce the average household's power bill by 60-70%. The right advice can show you how many people make their wind power generators for as little as $200 US.

A basic tool set (hammer, saw, screwdriver...) and parts from any general hardware store is all that is needed. You can estimate the amount of power a generator can create using the following formula:

Power(Watts) = (Wind Speed)^3 * (Blade Diameter)^2 * 0.00478

The speed of the wind is cubed, so it makes the most difference in your power output. For example, if you have a good average wind speed of 10mph and an 8 foot blade diameter, then:

W = (10*10*10) * (8*8) * 0.00478 = 305 watts/hour - x 24 hours and you can calculate 7.3 kWh generated per day by a wind power generator.

On average, an American home might use 14-20 kWh per day. If you start conserving your power, you might use much less depending on the size of your home. Even with little wind speed in your area, you should be able to build a wind turbine that can significantly reduce your power bill for as little as $200. Wind power generators are cost-effective, to be sure.