Two of the main sources of renewable energy are solar power and wind power. Each solution has its own benefits, and used together, these alternative energy sources can provide plenty of power to a home or even a whole town. However, what are advantages and disadvantages of each? This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of one of these solutions: wind power.
Advantages:
One of the main advantages of wind power is that it provides plenty of electricity. A single large wind turbine can create a enough energy to run several large buildings, and would be plenty to power as many as 1,400 homes. Even a small wind turbine with blades eight meters in length or less can dramatically reduce or sometimes even eliminate energy costs.
Additionally, wind turbines require no cost to run besides normal maintenance. As the wind blows it does all the work to turn the rotor the generate energy. After the initial setup, one would simply have to make sure that the energy from the windmill is getting to the power lines or generator.
Economically speaking, wind turbines are relatively cheap. Other energy sources like geothermal heat or solar panels can easily cost thousands for a residential property. Windmills on the other hand can be significantly cheaper, especially if one builds it as a do-it-yourself project. Some people have even built windmills for under $200 with parts that are easily obtainable at a local hardware store.
Disadvantages:
An obvious disadvantage with wind power is that it needs wind to work. If the turbines are in an area with a high average wind speed, then they make sense. On the other hand, this leaves places with little wind speed a bit deficient. The only way to compensate for the decrease in power generation is to add more windmills.
Windmills are unsightly. Unlike solar panels that can blend relatively well to the roof, windmills do not provide an appealing visual. Though they may be environmentally friendly, they can be eyesores. The only solution would be to place the windmills where they are not as visually obstructive, though with homes being built closer and closer together, this can be increasingly difficult.
Wind turbines can also provide a hazard to birds and other animals. These animals can be killed or injured while flying though and around the windmills. The noise generated as the blades rotate can also cause small shifts in the ecosystem that can have negative impact on habitats or food chains of animals.
This article presented three advantages and disadvantages of using wind power. Each of these points should be considered when implementing a wind turbine as part of a renewable energy solution.
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