What Size of a Wind Generator Do I Need?
Small wind systems range from 20 watts to 100 kilowatts (kW) for use at homes, farms, schools, local government buildings and public facilities. The systems at the lower end of the capacity range (micro wind systems with less than 1kW in capacity) can be used for charging batteries, pumping water, grinding grain, and powering recreational vehicles and sailboats. The micro systems are generally not connected to the grid however Free Wind Systems has several on grid packages that are for such systems..
DOE estimates that residential wind turbines generally range in size from 400 watts up to 100 kilowatts (kW), depending on the electrical load that you want to generate. For an average sized house that uses approximately 1,000 kWh per month, a wind turbine rated in the range of 5 to 10 kW would be required. Grid-connected, residential-scale models (1-10kW) are the fastest growing market segment .
Free Wind Systems consultants can help you size your system based on your electricity needs and the specifics of your areas's wind patterns and speed. For residential applications, you should first establish an energy budget to help define the size of turbine you will need. Because energy efficiency is usually less expensive than energy production, making your house more energy efficient the size of wind turbine needed will probably be more cost effective and will reduce the size of the wind turbine you need. See SECO's Energy Savings for Home and Business for ways that you can conserve energy in your home.
