While doing some research at Green Products we ran across a new generation of windmills. This new generation of windmill has conquered many of the problems that have inundated many productions windmills, even up to the recent past — mostly over-speed problems and initial wind power required to start the windmill.

Today’s designs are lighter, stronger and more reliable than in the last 20 years. Most of the leading manufacturers are offering a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. Most state the turbine will last 20+ years with normal service.

So how does it all work? There are two types of basic windmills in production: the propeller driven and the vertical driven designs. You need a picture of the vertical one. Both types of windmill are connected to a generator. The output from the generator is run through an inverter/converter to an electrical meter, which in turn is connected to your home meter. Since most meters are designed to be able to run backwards, they can be used to record your windmill’s output.

The net meter is an interesting device in its own right. About 35 states use an electric meter that records usage in both directions. When rotating clockwise it records the electricity you use. When the same meter is running counter-clockwise it is reducing your electric bill. Some call it an electrical bank. It’s almost like pumping water into a water tower where it is stored to be used at a later date.

Most of your risks will be financial, some of which will be the cost of getting the unit serviced after the warranty if needed. Your vendor will usually show the total cost to you for a complete install and how long it will take to pay it off with the renewable electricity being produced by your windmill.

One of the nice offsets is the rebates and tax credits you will get for installing a unit. In some cases, $11,000 or more is paid to you to offset the cost of the windmill. In California, this could bring the cost of install down to around 4,600 dollars.

Is this for everyone? No. The space the unit takes up, the 35-50 foot monopole, and city codes and permit fees have to be considered. What about a city? Could a city use this to offset operating costs? Could a city planner’s office install 20 or more units on unincorporated land and offset the cost of running city offices, fire and police departments? It is worth a look.

Let’s look at getting off the electrical grid in our next Green Products article.

Michael