How to Use Wind Energy to Power Your House

Course Summary:

Wind energy systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems. Depending on your wind resource, a small wind energy system can lower your electricity bill by 50% to 90%, help you avoid the high costs of extending utility power lines to remote locations, prevent power interruptions, and it is nonpolluting.

This course ‘Small wind electric systems’ can make a significant contribution to our nation’s energy needs. Although wind turbines large enough to provide a significant portion of the electricity needed by the average U.S. home generally require one acre of property or more, approximately 21 million U.S. homes are built on one-acre and larger sites, and 24% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas. A small wind electric system will work if:

• There is enough wind where you live
• Tall towers are allowed in your neighborhood or rural area
• You have enough space
• You can determine how much electricity you need or want to produce
• It works for you economically.

The purpose of this course is to provide you with the basic information about small wind electric systems.

Learning Objective:

• Introduction
• How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient?
• Is Wind Energy Practical for Me?
• What Size Wind Turbine Do I Need?
• What are the Basic Parts of a Small Wind Electric System?
• What Do Wind Systems Cost?
• Where Can I Find Installation and Maintenance Support?
• How Much Energy Will My System Generate?
• Is There Enough Wind on My Site?
• How Do I Choose the Best Site for My Wind Turbine?
• Can I Connect My System to the Utility Grid?
• Can I Go “Off-Grid”?
• Glossary of Terms

Review the quiz before studying the course.

Course Content

Course Author: US Department of Energy