How does Wind Capture work?

Wind availability and speed in New York can change dramatically, making it an essential factor when considering a wind power system for your home. Another important consideration is whether local zoning allows for wind turbines, and is so, what specific options are available. Wind capture systems typically use turbines in either a vertical or horizontal axis design.

Wind turbines generate electricity by capturing wind with their blades, which power a rotor. The rotor's motion drives a generator, creating electrical energy. Interestingly, wind itself is a form of solar power, generated when the sun unevenly heats the atmosphere and air flow across Earth's surface due to these temperature differences combined with Earth's rotation.

Home wind energy systems are very expensive to install. Before installing a home wind turbine, it is important to research wind patterns and choose a turbine shape that will capture the greatest potential energy. These systems are not highly efficient in that they may only be 50% effective, so you would have to have some system of back up.  Keep in mind, it might be less of an environmental impact to choose to buy into an established wind community. Established wind communities are privately owned systems that you subscribe to to offset your carbon footprint. This does not mean you save money, you may end up spending more for your service rather than less. By buying into a wind community it may cost for your subscription but many homeowners qualify for a tax reduction!  Do your research first because some municipal energy systems already use some wind energy at no additional cost to you but there aren't any tax breaks either.  While traveling you may have actually passed a wind farm!