Residential Solar Wind Power Systems

Residential solar wind power systems are trending. As you drive around neighborhoods you have probably noticed more and more solar panel systems. You may also notice large fields of wind turbines popping up more frequently. In more rural areas, you may even see wind turbines installed at residential homes.

Installing a residential solar and wind hybrid energy system can be more effective than just one system. With hybrid systems you can store power whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, it’s a double win. In some cases, you may not be able to install your own clean energy system.

However, you may be able to access others using companies such as Inspire. Keep reading to learn more about residential solar and wind power systems.

What are residential solar and wind hybrid systems?

Residential solar systems and wind hybrid systems can capture renewable energy based on changing weather conditions. Hybrid energy systems use both solar PV panels and wind generators to deliver non-intermittent eclectic power. When you combine two advanced systems, you are bound to produce several advantages. Solar systems and wind hybrid systems have different peak seasons. When you use a system that combines wind and solar technology you are more likely to produce power when you need it.

Can you combine solar and wind power?

With a controller that can handle both systems, solar and wind systems can be connected through the same wiring. While some individuals may consider using two wiring systems, it’s more efficient to use one wiring system. If you are going to use solar and wind power systems together you should contact a professional for installation and set up. Controllers that can handle both systems are fairly inexpensive, which is a plus. Solar and wind combined systems can help cut battery costs and should be applied to microgrid systems.

How does a solar wind hybrid system work?

Solar and wind hybrid systems are usually not connected to an electricity distribution system but feature an engine generator. If the wind nor solar are producing, the hybrid system can provide power through batteries or an engine generator. If the batteries run low, the engine generator can help recharge them.

In most cases, the engine generator is powered by conventional fuels, such as diesel. In a nutshell, solar-wind hybrid systems combine the use of solar and wind energy to produce electricity. Solar radiation and wind speed can fluctuate throughout the year. Utilizing a system that generates power from both solar and wind can be much more reliable.

How much does a hybrid solar system cost?

The cost of a hybrid solar system can vary depending on the size and federal incentives at the time of installation. If you are installing a 6kW hybrid dollar system you can expect to spend about $12,654 after federal incentives. However, the system also requires a battery which costs about $8,000 on average¹. If you can install a hybrid solar system, you should. Hybrid systems provide battery backup and grid support for any potential power outages.

How many solar panels would it take to power a house?

The amount of power you use can impact the number of solar panels recommended for your home. If we use the average home in the U.S. that uses about 10,400 kWh, you would need around 28-34 solar panels². Solar panel systems are highly customized which can drive the price. If you are considering installing solar panels you should first determine how much your electricity consumption is. It’s likely that you will receive a few professional estimates for solar panels. Knowing this information ahead of time can improve the accuracy of your estimates.

Is 10 KW enough to run a house?

A 10kW system should be large enough to power the average American household. In some states homes use more electricity than others. If your household uses more power than the average, a 10kW system may not be strong enough. Alternatively, your household may use significantly less power and a 10kW system may be too large. While a 10kW system may be appropriate for powering a house it usually does not produce enough electricity to go off grid.

How much does a 5kw wind turbine cost?

A pole mounted 5kW wind turbine system costs about $32,000 to install³. Annually, a 5kW system produces about 8,900kWh. Wind turbines usually have long lifespans and should come with a service warranty period. In most cases, turbines come with a 10-20 year service warranty period.

How much does a 15kW wind turbine cost?

A 15kW wind turbine system costs significantly more than a 5kW system. If you are installing a 15kW wind turbine system you should expect to spend about $100,000. Annually, a 15kW wind turbine system produces about 36,000kWh.

Can I run my house on solar power only?

As long as you install the proper amount of solar panels, your home can run on solar power only. Solar panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, build qualities, and power outputs. When installing a solar system you should work with an experienced professional. Transforming your home into a solar-powered property may be more affordable than you think. However, if you are unable to afford installation costs but want to use clean energy, you should visit Inspire.

How much does a 10kw wind turbine cost?

A 10kW wind turbine system costs about $64,000 to install. Annually, a 10kW system outputs about 21,500kWh. Homeowners that install wind turbine systems can recoup their investment through utility savings within 6-30 years, depending on electricity usage⁴. Homeowners that are concerned about utility rate increases may be more motivated to invest in installing a wind turbine system. Other homeowners may simply just want to use a system that is more environmentally friendly and could potentially save them money in the long term.

What's better: solar or wind power?

Most experts suggest that wind power is more efficient and environmentally friendly than solar. Wind power releases less CO2 to the atmosphere compared to solar. In addition, it consumes less energy and produces more energy. For comparison, one wind turbine can produce about the same amount of electricity per kWh as approximately 48,704 solar panels⁵. However, wind turbines are usually more expensive and require some land. Since wind turbines can produce so much power homeowners can often access their electricity through companies such as Inspire.

Is wind cheaper than solar?

In most cases, solar panels are cheaper than wind turbines. Solar panels are usually cheaper to install as well as per hWh. In addition, solar panels typically cost less to upkeep and are less likely to break. As a homeowner, solar power will likely make more financial sense than wind power. In the future, we should see more and more electric grids that utilize wind and solar power⁶.

How long does it take for a wind turbine to pay for itself?

If you install a wind turbine system you can expect to recoup your investment within 6-30 years, depending on electricity usage. Wind turbines typically have a lifespan of about 20 years so you’ll want to make sure you can recoup your investment before replacement is required. On average, it takes about 15 years to recoup investment.

How much does it cost to install a wind turbine at home?

In most cases, a 10 kilowatt machine can provide enough power for a large home. A 10 kilowatt wind turbine system may run about $50,000 to $80,000 or more to install⁷. Similar to solar power, wind power systems may have tax and other incentives that can drastically reduce the cost. Homeowners should research current incentives and factor them into the total project costs.

How big of a wind turbine do I need to power my house?

Depending on your home's electricity usage and average wind speed in your area, the size of wind turbine needed can vary. In most cases a 5-10 kilowatt wind turbine should power the average home. For homes that require about 300 kilowatt-hours per month with a 14 mile-per-hour wind speed average, a 1.5 kilowatt wind turbine may meet the needs. Larger wind turbines can cost significantly more. It may be cheaper to reduce electricity usage than to install a more powerful wind turbine.

How can Inspire help me learn about hybrid solar and wind systems?

Inspire is committed to ensuring that clean energy can be accessed by everyone, everywhere. Decarbonizing our power structures is a critical step we must take toward saving our environment. Inspire provides homeowners with the tools they need to reduce their carbon footprint. Subscribers access unlimited clean energy for a flat month price that covers your entire utility bill. With the number of solar and wind energy projects in the U.S. on the rise, access to clean energy is increasing. Companies such as Inspire can help households take advantage of these projects while accessing the clean energy they provide. To find out if Inspire is in your area you can visit www.inspirecleanenergy.com and enter your zip code.

In order to support future generations and protect our earth, we must shift toward using clean energy sources. Inspire provides customers with clean energy without a hefty upfront investment. Inspire’s customers energy usage is fully offset by renewable energy credits sourced from wind and solar power. Inspire’s customers can take advantage of one flat monthly energy bill. That’s right, you can finally say goodbye to that shocking summer energy bill that comes out of nowhere. Each Inspire member receives a personalized subscription based on their energy usage. Inspire offers intelligent climate control for customers. Features such as this benefit the customer and the company. Inspire can use the usage data to optimize home performance.

Access clean energy for your home today with Inspire!

Sources:

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1. solarreviews.com/blog/hybrid-solar-systems↩
2. chariotenergy.com/blog/can-i-use-solar-panels-to-completely-power-my-home/↩
3. renewableenergyhub.us/wind-turbines/how-much-does-wind-turbines-cost.html↩
4. elemental.green/bergey-windpower-small-wind-turbines/↩
5. elemental.green/wind-vs-solar-which-power-source-is-better/↩
6. solarreviews.com/blog/is-solar-or-wind-a-better-way-to-power-your-home↩
7. windustry.org/how_much_do_wind_turbines_cost↩