Why Wind Power?
Who wouldn’t want free electricity? Of course, we all would. The most intriguing aspect of wind power is that it appears to offer just that.
There is an up front cost for the equipment and its installation which can be considerable but when that cost and its service life are considered, it is possible to get “free” electricity after several years. Wind powered generators can last for decades with very little maintenance.
There are many benefits to wind power besides the free electricity. It is one of the greenest energy resources available and is continuously renewable with no additional inputs from humans. There is really no downside to the environment from harnessing the power of the wind.
Unlike hydroelectric power, wind power doesn’t affect the breeding habits of indigenous wildlife. Some would argue that the number of birds killed by wind powered generators could be a problem but it is doubtful that there would ever be a measurable impact to the avian population.
Wind powered generators are also less costly than the equivalent solar energy installation for any given amount of power. This is especially true as the power generation requirements of an installation rise.
Although the up front costs of a wind powered generator installation can be quite high, there are possible incentives that can make it more economical. Some power companies will offer low cost, long term financing for wind turbines. Additionally they will also allow excess power to be sold back to the utility for credit on the customer’s bill. This allows for a less expensive and less complex installation. A large bank of batteries for storage isn’t required for an installation such as this. The generator can be hooked directly to the power company’s infrastructure with special wiring and circuits.
There is also the potential for tax credits and other credits from government programs to help offset the cost.
Of course for some installations, wind powered generators offer the possibility of providing power where none would be available otherwise. For remote locations with small power requirements, wind turbines can easily be the most economical solution. Wind turbines can also be installed in places where nothing else of use can be installed such as in the ocean.
For many reasons, wind power will continue to grow in popularity and its installed base will continue to grow. At this time it offers possibly the best combination of costs and tradeoffs versus the amount of power it can provide.
Sourse: Why Wind Power?
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