| By :
Roger Brown
Where you place your home wind turbine on your property is very important. Getting your own is a great way to start actually doing something about becoming energy independent and cutting your energy costs. The best way to make the most out of your dollar is to do some research first and understand wind basics. The 2 key elements of understanding WHERE on your lot to place your wind generator are: 1. Whether or not you are going to connect to the utility's electricity grid? There are several ways you can make use of the electrical energy you create with your wind turbine. You can connect the windmill power delivery system directly to your home or, you can let the electricity you make charge a battery that can be dissipated later. As a third alternative, if you decide to connect directly to the electricity grid, there are several factors that tell you where you need to place the wind turbine on your property: • You need to place your turbine near a 3-phase power line so you can "interconnect" with the grid. That way, you can sell the power you don't consume to the power company. The utility is required to buy the excess power from you at their "avoided cost" or, the average cost for them to generate energy in their own plants. • You don't want your generator too far away from the destination of the power you create though. The reason for that is there are unavoidable line losses that occur along any length of wire, due to electromagnetic dissipation. 2. What is required by permitting and zoning rules? Almost any wind turbine in an urban environment will require paying close attention to local zoning and permitting issues. Not only will your local community have a dog in this hunt, but other state and federal agencies, like the Federal Aviation Administration, that will have a say in how high the tower can be mounted, as well as how it needs to be mounted in a way to make it visible to aircraft. The FAA won't allow structures over 200 feet high if it is on the approach or departure end of an airport runway. Pay attention to these few factors and you will be making power in no time at all. And, your home wind turbine set up experience will be smooth and as a gentle breeze.
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