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Many people around the world are searching for alternatives to using fossil fuel-based energy sources for powering their homes. This is partly due to the fact that by reducing their dependence on the regional utility company, they can save themselves significant amounts of money. The adverse effects that burning fossil fuels is proven to have on the environment is often cited as a reason to switch to green energy sources as well.
While solar power is by far the most common alternative to fossil fuels, wind power for homes is quickly gaining ground. Wind power has been used for centuries for mechanical power, but its use for generating electricity wasn't first introduced until the late 19th, early 20th century. Recently though, the idea of using wind as a viable alternative to fossil fuels has gain a great deal of traction. As a result, there have been many companies that have begun creating wind turbines designed for residential use.
There are two main types of turbine that can be used as wind power for homes. The first and the most effective when talking about energy production, is the horizontal axis wind turbine. These are what most people think of when they think about a wind turbine, and they are most commonly used on wind farms. These designs are typified by the extremely tall towers and the long, spindly blades. Horizontal turbines are capable of generating a great deal of electricity, especially when combined with a gear box to compensate for low-wind days.
Despite their effective output of electricity, horizontal wind turbines do have their disadvantages when used to create wind power for homes. The most obvious downside has to do with the amount of available space. These turbines require very tall towers, as the blades should be at least 20 feet above any surrounding structures in order to catch sufficiently powerful winds. This creates problems with many local rules and regulations for urban development, not to mention power lines.
For those with a limited amount of property space, wind power for homes can be accomplished using smaller vertical axis wind turbines. These turbines tend to be much less efficient than the horizontal variety, but they also occupy much less space and are relatively simple to build and maintain. One of the main drawbacks to the vertical designs is that they are often lower to the ground, where the wind speeds are not as quick. Because of this, vertical axis turbines do not produce as much electricity as do horizontal varieties. This is not to say that they cannot be effectively used to lower your utility bills. In fact, even a small wind turbine can have some effect on your overall dependence on fossil fuels, and help lower your monthly electric bill.
As the natural resources of the planet continue to dwindle, it is vitally important that we find alternative methods of energy production. Large commercial solar and wind farms are being built around the world, but like many other things, change always starts at home.
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