Living off the grid, Part IV: Catching the Wind

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Six grand worth of up-front costs is a considerable sum, but it is crucial to take into consideration that in 6 or 7 years the amount of money saved from not paying utility bills will pay for the entire system. After that, the investment will yield nothing but savings. Better yet, maintenance costs for modern generators are very low, and the "fuel" is free. Depending upon the type chosen, batteries will need to be replaced approximately every 10 years.

In remote locations where there is no utility, the payback will come even sooner. Faced with the overwhelming cost of extending grid power to a remote home (see "Living off the Grid," issues #141–143), it is usually cheaper to install a independent or hybrid wind system at a relatively good wind site than to extend the transmission lines or rely on a diesel generator. And, of course, the satisfaction of generating your own electricity from a nonpolluting energy source has no price value.

Remember that wind power does have some practical considerations. In the past, turbines were noisy. Fortunately, the newer turbines are quieter. Today, noise is rarely a problem in house-sized systems. And wind turbines are definitely quieter than listening to a generator all day.

It is also hard to ignore the visual impact. Many people do not want to look out their windows and see their neighbor's wind tower. But how many of us have become accustomed to the plethora of utility lines outside of our windows and above our heads every day? To many, a wind tower is a beautiful symbol of energy independence, a sculpture in motion.

Wind machines are not for everyone, however. Not only is it a mechanical device that occasionally needs maintenance, but it is a mechanical device that is very high up in the air. If the idea of climbing a 100-foot tower once or twice a year sends you groping for the Dramamine, you might want to reconsider your energy options. But if you have a maintenance contract with a local wind dealer, you can enjoy your system from the safety of the ground. A tilt-up tower is another option. You can lower your tower to do any work or inspection and tilt it back up without lifting a foot.

What About the Law?

Before you put up your wind tower, you should research zoning ordinances, building codes, and any legal requirements that might affect your installation.

Some ordinances have height restrictions and setback requirements (the minimum distance a structure can be from the property line). These stumbling blocks can generally be overcome. You might have to apply for a variance or convince people that a wind system should be classified under the same category as communication towers for TVs, CBs, and ham radios. Either way, do your homework and find out the hurdles that must be overcome before buying your tower.

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