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Wind turbine on your roof? Not so fast; Obstacles include cost, output, noise and even damage to your home
Wind energy carries the promise of tapping into a free, seemingly endless supply of energy. But those thinking to capture the breeze in their backyard with a personal windmill might be surprised how much the wind actually costs.
"Small wind doesn't make economic sense," says Paul Gipe, who has written several books and commentaries on wind energy. ...Gipe said it's fine if someone on-grid wants to help save the planet by buying a "dinky windmill" for home use, but they should know that it very likely won't last long enough to pay for itself in lowered energy bills.
And they should know to never put one on their roof.
October 16, 2007
in MSNBC
Wind energy carries the promise of tapping into a free, seemingly endless supply of energy. But those thinking to capture the breeze in their backyard with a personal windmill might be surprised how much the wind actually costs.
"Small wind doesn't make economic sense," says Paul Gipe, who has written several books and commentaries on wind energy.
The only people who should consider small wind systems (less than 100 kilowatts) are those who have to because they aren't connected to the power company, Gipe said. These "off-grid" consumers made up 90 percent of small wind turbine sales last year in... [continue via Web link]
Web link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21326703/
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