Using Wind Power Technology to Slash Your Energy Bills

Wind power technology, also known as wind energy, is a form of solar energy, plentiful in many parts of the U.S. Geographic regions across the country are rated based on their wind power-generating potential. Wind speed is the most important factor for the generation of power. Fortunately, northern Utah ranks well on the U.S. Department of Energy’s wind energy scale. Read on for some basic information about how wind power technology works and how it can save you significantly on your home energy bills.

What Makes Wind

Wind energy is considered a type of solar energy because the sun helps to create the wind. Atmospheric pressures vary greatly between the Earth’s poles and the equator. The difference in atmospheric absorption of solar energy leads to differing air buoyancy in different locations. Air moves from high pressure areas to low pressure areas, based on its buoyancy, creating winds of varying speed. Planetary rotation also exerts some influence on atmospheric patterns, other than at the equator.

How Wind Power is Generated

Wind power is generated by a turbine or windmill. But whereas a windmill uses generated energy to pump water or mill grain, today’s turbines create power. Turbines consist of large, stiff blades (also called rotors) situated around a hub, mounted on a rotor shaft or drive train (typically involving a gearbox and generator) and mounted on a tower. As the blades spin, the turbine converts that kinetic energy into mechanical power. The generator creates electricity by converting and storing the mechanical power.

Is Wind Energy Right for Your Home?

In your travels, you may have seen wind farms along the highway, with dozens or hundreds of huge, spinning turbines working together to help meet the country’s power needs. For the individual residential property, small turbines are used to produce electricity that is tied to your municipal grid. Any excess power generated by your system is supplied to the grid, earning you credits to be used at a later date. Because your system ties to the power grid, no battery backup system is required. Consequently, a residential turbine system is very affordable for most homeowners living “on the grid.” Systems are also available for off the grid energy production but a backup battery is needed.

Intermountain Wind and Solar would be happy to provide a free wind assessment for your property to see if a grid-tied power generation system is right for you. In addition to sufficient air speed, you also need ample space for the turbine(s) and no zoning or HOA restrictions that would prohibit its construction. If a turbine energy system won’t work for your property, a solar system can also help you achieve your energy cost savings goals. Contact us today so we can help you wipe out your energy bills for good.