Mini wind turbines provide green energy, and because of the exploding interest in green living, people are become more aware of this type of technology. These personal turbines can, singly or in groups, provide enough energy for people to live entirely off the electrical grid in some places. And even if green energy only supplements your electrical requirements, the innovations in home wind technology can mean a mini wind turbine pays for itself in electrical bill savings quickly.

People are probably most familiar with this kind of energy as it relates to the big mills on the sides of hills in very windy places. Rotating slowly in the breeze, these mills provide electricity for the electric companies, who then sell it to customers. New types of home technology allow homeowners to take the intermediary out of the equation by powering their homes with their own turbines.

Some of these home turbines are miniatures of the larger versions. They can be mounted on a roof or other structure, and the blades provide a charge which is stored in a battery when they are turned. But innovations in the materials used to create personal turbines have allowed them to become much smaller and more efficient.

Home mini turbines come in vertical and horizontal forms. The horizontal axis types are the traditional kind of turbines, with blades and a tail that orients them towards the wind. The vertical types produce more energy than the horizontal types, but both have advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages of the vertical axis mills are that they require heavy equipment to install, and are difficult to move.

Mini turbines are specialized personal turbines that are smaller than usual, and create energy with lower wind speeds. They are a recent invention, and were made possible by improvements in the material used to make them. Most mini turbines can create enough energy to power the lights in an average-sized home, but are certainly not appropriate for going “off-grid”. However, since they aren’t very expensive, the savings can add up.

Reviews of micro turbines, which is the common name for the smallest personal turbines available, can be found on many websites. Knowing the wind speed at your desired location will be necessary to determine which kind of micro turbine will fit your needs, as the kW (kilowatt) hours, measures of the turbine’s energy output, are listed at certain speeds. There are minimum speeds required before the turbine will turn at all, as well.

Even within the category of micro turbines, there is a huge variety in how much power can be generated. Some of these are very small turbines intended to produce a small amount of power, while others are intended for supplying as much energy as possible to a household using them as the primary energy source. Some of the types intended for powering homes have integrated technology so that they mount easily on rooftops, and don’t produce excessive vibrations.

Personal Turbines are not the answer for everyone. The most basic question is whether your locale is appropriate for the technology if you choose to install a turbine. But consider whether your neighbors would complain about the noise or the sight of the turbine, as well, and research the economics of the decision. Some mini wind turbines don’t produce enough energy to make up for their purchase cost quickly, which can be a serious consideration.