| By :
Roger Brown
If you are really starting to look into putting up roof mounted wind turbines, understand that where exactly on your roof you put them up means EVERYTHING. Let me just say, your roof is not usually the best place of all on your property to install a windmill. It is a good place if you pay attention to roof dynamics but it will never be as effective as installing your wind system higher up, where the wind is stronger and more predictable. The best location of all is wherever you can mount at least 30 feet ABOVE the tree line or above the height of the highest obstacle. Nevertheless, your roof may be the only real estate you really have to work with. In that case, you have to work to make the most of it. There is a good bit of space up on your roof where a wind system will be easy to mount, but there is just not enough wind around most areas to make it worth your while. The cost of buying and installing your turbine will just be too high for the amount of wind you can get and thus, the amount of electricity you can make for your home. However, if you are scientific about analyzing the roof area, there are usually 1-2 areas where you can make enough electricity to make the project worth your while. An important concept to understand is "Roof Effect". It is an aerodynamic reality that mimics the flow acceleration results Venturi effect. The way Roof Effect works is this… The wind hits a slanted area of your roof. Therefore, the contour of your roof has a lot to do with how much more energy Roof Effect will buy you. The wind then compresses and flows in a boundary layer of about 1-3 feet depth along the roof's surface. This compression accelerates the wind flow by a factor of 100% - 300%. At the peak of the roof the energy starts to dissipate so, that turns out to be the ideal point to install your wind turbine. The way to really optimize the location of your wind turbine on your roof is to use an anemometer. An anemometer is a small device that measures and records the wind speed and direction. It can be mounted most anywhere and you can leave it in place for a week or so at several places to get a good idea where the wind will be strongest and most consistent. In conclusion, it is essential that you understand the optional areas on your roof before buying a roof mounted wind turbine. It is best to install at the apex of the ridge line but with a little effort, you can plot the exact best place and know that the amount of wind you have will drive a windmill and make enough electricity to give you a reasonable return on your investment.
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