Nebraska Wind Turbine | Small Wind Generator FAQ

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Small Wind FAQs

How do wind turbines work?

Wind Turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into electricity to be used in a home’s electrical system.

In a typical residential application, a home is served simultaneously by a renewable energy system and a local utility. If the wind speeds are below “cut-in speed,” there will be no output from the generator and all of the needed power is purchased from the utility. As wind speeds increase, the wind turbine's output increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased. When the wind turbine produces more power than the house needs, the meter spins backwards creating a "credit" that can be used later. All of this is done automatically without any interaction by the homeowner. Batteries are not required with wind turbine systems.

 

Will renewable energy systems save me money?

Yes!  Every amount of energy your renewable energy system produces is how much it will save you for the life of the system. 

Will it help the environment if I install a wind turbine at my home?

Because wind turbines are a renewable energy source, produces no pollution, and uses wind power, you will be offsetting pollution that would have been generated by your utility company.

 

Should my neighbors be concerned about safety if I get a wind turbine?

No. All wind turbines that Bronte Windpower deals with have been tested to internationally accepted standards for small wind safety and reliability. Your neighbors, who may have some concerns about safety, may appreciate the following information:

Tower stability: Thousands of small wind generators are installed in the U.S. every year and their safety track record is excellent. Trees are much more likely to fall than a properly installed wind turbine, but no setbacks or minimum property sizes are required for trees.

Safety of utility repair personnel during a power outage: In accordance to IEEE and UL, wind turbines will automatically shut down in the event of a power outage, and will not energize a dead power line. This is necessary to protect the utility line repair person.

Ice shed from rotor blades: Ice buildup makes the blades on wind turbines less aerodynamic, so that they turn more slowly. Typically, ice will drop to the base of the generator tower and is not dangerous.

Children and towers: In terms of educating children about not climbing structures, a small wind generator should be treated no differently than other climbable structures such as water towers or amateur radio antennas.

 

Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?

No. Any renewable energy system can easily be installed at any existing home or farm without the need to change any wiring or appliances. In Nebraska, the utility company will install a bidirectional meter to measure how much surplus electricity it is receiving from the generator owner.