A home wind energy system in its most economical form (without batteries) will have the following major components:

Wind Turbine:  The wind turbine captures the energy in the wind with its three blades.  These blades turn a generator that produces electricity.  The wind turbine operates automatically and it protects itself during storms.  The electricity output depends on the wind speed.  Wind turbine options include Extra-Stiff Blades for icing conditions or severe sites and a Corrosion Option for sites near the ocean.

Tower:  The tower puts the wind turbine high enough to avoid turbulence (rough air) caused by the ground and nearby obstacles.  For a 10 kW wind turbine the minimum recommended tower height is 80 ft (24 meter).  In most situations a 100 ft. (30 meter) or 120 ft. (37 meter) tower is better because performance improves significantly with tower height.  Towers are available in different heights and styles, some with guy wires (less expensive) and some without (more expensive).  The single biggest mistake people make in buying a wind system is to use a tower that is too short.  Putting a turbine on a short tower is like putting a solar system in the shade of a tree – the performance will suffer greatly!

Power Processor:  The electricity produced by the wind turbine is not directly compatible with the high quality power supplied by the utility company.  The power processor takes the “wild electricity” from the wind turbine and makes it the same as utility power.  This allows the wind turbine power to be used in your home and any excess to be sold to the utility company.  The power processor also protects utility repairmen during a power outage by shutting off the wind power system automatically.  

New Energy Meter:  This in an additional energy meter that we recommend be installed between the inverter and the breaker panel.  It allows homeowners to know how much energy the wind system has produced.  Many owners take a daily, weekly, or monthly reading and keep a logbook.

Existing Breaker Panel:  This is the existing breaker panel for your home.  The wind system connects at this point using a dedicated circuit breaker.

Utility Power Line:  This is the connection between your home and the power company.  In states with Net Metering (hot link) your existing energy meter, which can turn backwards, is adequate.  In other states, two ratcheted meters are necessary.  In this case one meter reads what you buy and the other reads what you sell.