Advantages of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
If you’re interested in producing your own energy, you should look into the pros and cons of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). They are a good option if you have too much shade to install solar panels, and they are less expensive than solar panels. Vertical axis wind turbines are suitable for both rural and urban areas as they work at low wind speeds, are quiet, and have low maintenance needs. The disadvantages listed, such as lower efficiency rates, limited scalability, and more turbulence, are more applicable to larger installations. Some cities and homeowners associations may have restrictions on renewable energy, so you should check into those before deciding.
Vertical axis wind turbines are usually less expensive than solar panels. A 10 kW solar installation with a power wall for backup will cost about $9900. A 10 kW VAWT with a power wall backup will run about $3500. Vertical axis wind turbine kits, and also solar panel kits, are available on eBay and Amazon, which is where I found information for the price estimates. If you’re handy with do-it-yourself projects, you may be able to install the turbine yourself. Even then, you may need to hire help with some parts of the installation, and you will certainly need an electrician to check the installation before you turn it on.
The costs are even less if you can avoid buying the power wall and hook to a power grid through a net energy metering (NEM) agreement with the power company to provide the backup. The NEM agreements usually specify requirements to connect to the power grid, the cost to draw power from the grid, and how you will be reimbursed when you supply power. Most power companies, particularly co-ops, are very cooperative about the NEM agreements. Studies in several states, such as a study by Crossborder Energy, found that customers who produce their own energy provide a benefit both to the electric company and other customers by reducing the need for new power plants, reducing the 7% transmission losses, reducing the generation and fuel costs, and reducing air pollution. Ignoring those advantages, some companies, such as Edison Electric and Evergy, have tried to discourage people from producing their own power through propaganda and unfavorable NEM agreements. The reason seems to be that they wish to sell you higher priced electricity from their coal plants. If that is the case, you may wish to buy a power wall and get off the grid completely.
(C) 2025 J.C. Moore
Tags: Battery backup, Cost of renewable energy, Evergy, NEM, net energy metering, Power Wall, Reducing electricity costs, VAWT, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
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