VAWT: the new windmill

Although wind power has quadrupled in worldwide capacity since 2000, the boom has not been without controversy. Locals have objected to having their skylines filled with giant humming turbines.

Quiet revolution
However, industrial wind farms are not the only way to produce wind power. Home wind turbines (once characterized by unsightly 100' towers topped with windmills) are in the process of undergoing a very quiet revolution. So quiet, they are hard to hear even when standing right beside them.

VAWT new wave
These new turbines, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), spin around a vertical axis instead of the traditional horizontal axis. While the difference may sound trivial, it in fact VAWTs have a number of key improvements:

Rebates
Contributing to the rise in this new wind technology are recent government incentives and tax rebates. In Ontario, for instance, not only do homeowners save the PST on the purchase of their wind turbines, but in 2006 the provincial government committed to paying 11 cents for every kilowatt-hour sent back to the grid -- close to double what consumers have to buy their power for. Similar incentives have led countries like Germany and Spain to become world leaders in wind power production.

Pricing challenge
Wind turbines are still a bit cost prohibitive for the average home owner, costing in the neighbourhood of $10,000 to purchase and install a relatively small 500w system. Some brands are considerably more expensive.

Although VAWTs are more urban-friendly than their horizontal axis cousins, you still need "light breeze"winds at least 10-12km/h (6-7 mph) to get them moving, with peak generation only occurring with "strong winds"at around 40km/h (24 mph) for most models.

Windy places
In other words, if you don't get fairly consistent light to moderate breezes in your area, wind power even VAWTs likely won't be cost effective. However, if you do live in an area that receives regular moderate breezes, and particularly if your provincial government and/or local utility offer incentives for producing green power, payback time on the purchase of a VAWT could be as low as 8-10 years. What's more, some VAWT suppliers offer financing options that allow you to start saving money right away.

For information about some of the VAWTs currently on the market:
Canada

USA

Mark Mallet is a LEED Accredited professional consultant who is a regular contributor to Green Living Online.