A home wind turbine can replace regular energy sources with a greener and more renewable energy. A turbine can power everything from your range to your garage door opener, yet the turbine will only replace part of your home energy usage.
Solar panels have been the fad for the last 10 years or so, but wind turbines are quickly gaining ground. There are several models available, and how much wind energy you want to harness will determine your initial cost, which can range from $500 up to $20,000 or more for installation.
Why You Need a Wind Turbine
The benefits of using a home wind turbine include tax breaks, lower energy costs, increased home value, and most importantly, helping our earth as we move toward greener energy sources. Depending on where you live, you can save up to 100 percent of your energy costs each year after installing a unit. However, most systems are still connected to a power grid.
Being connected to a power grid will allow you to purchase electricity during times when there is not sufficient wind to sustain your energy needs. Conversely, on days with excess wind, a typical home turbine system will allow you to sell that extra energy back to the power grid. What could be better than not only reducing your carbon footprint, but reducing that of your neighbors’ footprint as well?
So, how will it ultimately impact your home finances? Well, it depends on the amount of electricity your turbine is putting out, the amount you pay for it, and what you were paying for electric per month before you installed it. If your bill wasn’t out of control to begin with, then your savings will most likely be significant. This is because you will be able to sell back energy on especially windy days.
Other wind turbine benefits are longevity and low maintenance. A home turbine needs practically no maintenance and will last over 20 years, in most instances. Purchasing a wind turbine is making an investment in your home and making an investment in the earth as well.
This is a home investment because it qualifies as a home improvement and will add resale value to your home. Therefore, regardless of how long you intend to stay in your current home, a wind turbine is a smart investment, and your green energy commitment will continue on.
Lastly, be sure to check into the tax laws in your state. In states which have an income tax, the entire cost of the turbine may be able to be written off. Even if that isn’t an option, most states offer deep tax breaks for people who install one. In many cases, the cost of installing a home wind turbine may be more than offset by the breaks and savings you will get.
Conclusion
Not only can you use green energy and sell energy back for your neighbors to use, you will be helping to speed our transition to greener energy sources. The more individuals who use greener electricity sources, the greater the pressure will be on the energy giants to shift into green energy.
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