Cost of Wind Energy
Wind Power is the conversion of wind energy into electricity, using wind turbines. A wind turbine collects kinetic energy from the wind and then converts it to compatible electricity for a home. In a residential 
application, a home is served by both the wind turbine and a local electric utility. If the wind speed is below the minimum speed to make the blades spin, then there is no output from the turbine and all of the power is purchased from the utility.
As the wind speeds increase, however, turbine output increases as well and the amount of power needed from utility is significantly decreased. When the turbine makes more power than a home needs, many utilities commence “test metering”- where the overflow electricity is then sold back to the utility.
Small wind turbines have capacity ratings of 1 – 100 kilowatts, and can easily power a residential home. Consumers who install residential small wind systems with a capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts can receive a 30% residential tax credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency if placed in service before December 2016! There are now many different turbines of various sizes and costs to accommodate different budgets and families.
However, before you install a turbine of your own, make sure enough wind is produced to justify getting one! Ideal wind speeds for a small wind turbine are 10-12 miles per hour. The hardest part is shopping and deciding on your wind turbine – there are so many to choose from!
