Gamesa- one of the largest turbine manufacturer in the world
Sustainability Problem:
- Saving energy-using a renewable source of energy such as wind power which will be sustainable and not create GHG emissions.
Technology presently available to actually use wind turbine power for residential homes and commercial use. The basic steps for installing a wind turbine.
- Determine wind resource for your area.
- Determine household energy needs, check monthly or yearly energy usage.
- Check local zoning ordinance.
- Purchase and install a wind turbine sized to meet your household needs.
- Bergey Turbines recommend a 1 acre lot or more to install a wind turbine.
Stakeholders:
- Homeowner
- Turbine Manufacturer
- Turbine Installer
- Electrical contractor
Steps to deploy this technology
- The average home will need a small turbine with a 5 kw generating capacity. The diameter of this size turbine will be approximately 18 feet. The average height of this size turbine is about 80 feet, about twice the height of a telephone pole.
- There are two types of turbine systems. Those systems that are connected to the grid and those that are not connected to the grid. For those that are not connected to the grid, use as backup power or use for battery charging.
- The average payback period is 6 to 30 years. The average cost to power an entire home is $30,000 but can range from $10,000 to $70,000. There may be rebate and tax credits available where you live. United Wind now offers a leasing program.
- When the wind does not blow the local utility will provide electricity. Any electricity the turbine produces will be sent back to the utility or a neighbor.
- It is recommended when using small wind turbines it is in conjunction with solar photovoltaic technology.
- Advertise this technology and offer no money down which will motivate homeowners to want wind turbine power for their home or small business.
Sources
- Bergey.com
- WindenergyFoundation
- United Wind
- Gamesa website
makeasmartcity 
Great idea. Makes you wonder why there is not as many tax credits and other incentives that solar benefits from. It may be that wind power is more visible and considered unsightly however certainly could be an enhancement to a current home solar system. Wind in many areas runs at highest capacity at night which could be a perfect compliment to solar.
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The testimonials featured in http://bergey.com/ are attractive to many home owners. Bergery’s website has a list of Q&As on Small Wind Turbines for Microgrids. While many of you might find the comparison between wind and other renewable energies interesting, this Q&A is cited below.
Q. How does wind power compare with other renewable energy technologies suitable for
decentralized rural electrification?
A. In areas with good wind resources (5.5 m/s+) wind power is competitive with photovoltaics,
biomass, and diesel generators, but is usually more expensive than micro-hydro. Wind
resources vary over a wide range and have a big impact on the cost of energy from a wind
turbine. Coastal areas, open plains, and hilltops are good for wind resources. Solar will be
less expensive on average than wind at many sites but may not have good seasonal
availability, may have theft issues, and may not have a secure warranty.
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