May 21, 2009
Can wind power pay my electric bill?
keithflknr asked:
Can I place a wind generator on my property that only converts dc into ac and runs it back into the grid?What i mean is can i do it without using a bit of the electricity myself.No Batteries,no connection to my power other than sending it back into the grid.
Can I place a wind generator on my property that only converts dc into ac and runs it back into the grid?What i mean is can i do it without using a bit of the electricity myself.No Batteries,no connection to my power other than sending it back into the grid.
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Probably, after you recover the initial investment
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In India, we indeed have this kind of scheme by companies like Suzlon & Enercon. These guys will do a survey on your plot & if found suitable, will install a machine themselves. As a plot owner, you will be entitled for a handsome monthly rent. All the interconnection issues with state electricity board/grid will be handled by these corporations. I think you should check for similar schemes with your local power generation company.
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yes, if your power company allows this, some do, some don't.
You will also need permission from town, county, and state governments to setup a wind turbine.
You will need a large wind turbine, and the proper electronics, which the power company will supply and install, or will recommend.
You will be able to sell power to the company when the wind is blowing, and buy it from them when it is not.
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If all you want to do is sell energy to the electric company, then yes, this is pretty easy to do with a home-built wind turbine.
However, I have to point out that a wind turbine naturally produces AC power. In order to sell it to a power company through the grid, you would have to synchronize it with the grid standards through the voltage frequency (60Hz), magnitude (120V line-neutral/single-phase), and phase (positive sequence if 3-phase). One way to accomplish this could be to rectify the AC coming from the turbine into DC and then use an inverter to get it up to grid specifications.
The downside is that you'd only be providing power to the grid when the wind is blowing. But I guess that doesn't really matter if all you're wanting to do is set it up, forget about it, and let it turn your meter backwards.
Of course, there are different ways of selling it to your utility depending on where you live. The process of selling back to the grid/utility is called 'net metering' and more information about the various regulations can be found here:
(It even includes a little map about utilities buying from wind power)
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I'd suggest checking out…
watch the free video review of one of the most popular guides to building your own source of alternative energy.
Hope it helps & Good luck!!!
- Katie : )
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