Wind Power Cost: Exposed

Wind power: Meaning and implications

The energy contained in solar radiations, in a certain form, is called wind. The sun rays help in heating up the surface levels of the earth, although not in equal amounts. The sheer abrasiveness of the earth’s surface, the planetary motion (rotation) and the variable propensities of heat absorption result in this unequal heating process. As a consequence, some parts of the earth always enjoy a warmer climate than some other regions. The equator and the snow-tipped poles are a prime example in this regard, with the former always being way hotter than the extremely cold poles. Now, as region becomes more heated, air of that region becomes, warmer, lighter, and starts to move up.

This results in the creation of a vacuum in its place, which is quickly filled up the colder air (which is heavier too) from nearby locations. This movement of air is defined as wind, and it results in the evolution of a type of kinetic energy. Modernized technologies are used to trap and convert this kinetic energy into wind energy. Wind power is defined as the process of harnessing this wind energy to get outputs that can be used multiple number of times, like electrical power. Wind power cost issues indeed call for attention, since wind itself is the fuel in these processes.

Wind power cost figures: What are the amounts?

In order to generated electricity, the resource that is used the most nowadays is wind energy. As a natural consequence, the cost figures attached with the production of electricity from of utility grade units of wind energy has come down by a whopping 80 per cent, and that too, in the previous two decades. Thirty cents for every kilowatt-hour used to be the cost of wind power in the early-age wind turbines (in the decade of the 80s). However, presently this wind power cost figure stands at a very low amount (around 5 cents per kilowatt-hour).

This miraculous slashing in the wind power cost figures are a direct result of more and better machines that are being used to generate electricity by harnessing wind energy. Large-scale wind power plants have been set up, and that too, at ideal sites. These plants also use the latest, most modernized machines. All these factors have brought down the costs of wind power greatly over time.

Wind power plants are expected to be economically viable, even over the long run. Supply of wind (the fuel of these plants) is steady, does not have any disturbances, and is completely free as well. Hence, these plants have somewhat released the excessive dependence on the fossil fuel plants, where fuel crisis situations were rather frequent. People can now trust the ready availability of the wind resource. Usage of wind power plants is eco-friendly too, and helps to keep the general environment pollution-free.

Hence, choosing this resource is advisable for the generation of electricity. Long-term income flows, from two simultaneous sources can also be assured for the rural farmers. They can lease land for setting up wind power plants. However, these plants take up only a small part of the total land area, and farming can be easily carried on over the remaining landmass. Thus, farmers can earn, both from their crops, and from the sale of the electricity produced by the plants.

The wind power that is produced increases as the speed of wind grows higher. In particular, wind speeds of at least 5 to 7 meters per second are required by the wind energy systems to produce the desirable quantity of power. Hence, choosing the ideal spot for installing these plants is of extreme importance.

Fall in the wind power cost figures

In cases where wind energy plants are acquired at the same terms as gas power plants, the cost of wind power can be reduced significantly. In general, such cost reductions are possible with the help of smart financing methods. In case a utility owns a wind power plant, the cost of wind power also falls a lot. Taking an example, when a 50 MW wind power unit is owned by an IOU (investor-owned utility), the cost of wind power is around 3.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, this cost figure goes up to around 5 cents per kilowatt, when an identical wind power plant is owned by an individual who harnesses wind energy.

Maintaining the earth’s ecological balance

Traditional power plants invariably resulted in the release of air pollutants. For example a coal power unit would emit extremely harmful gases in the atmosphere, which can bring about heart attacks, respiratory problems, and asthma in human beings. All this resulted in an increase in the death rates of humans. The environment was contaminated as well with the emission of greenhouse gases that increased global warming rates, and brought about acid rains. Visibility also suffered due to these gases.

However, wind is a pollution free power resource, and hence, it is being used all over the world. In comparison with a typical coal power plant, the costs of a wind power system are way lower as well. Over the entire lifetime of the latter, little needs to be spent on the operations of the system. Its fuel, the wind, can be obtained without spending any money at all! Unlike fossil fuel resources, wind is renewable too, and can be re-used as many times as required. Contracts that last for a long term and promise guaranteed lower financial costs and lower risks in the market are also not required here, since wind energy is itself a relatively new entrant in the field of power generation.

It is a good idea to install a wind power system in your home. Such a system can help you spend much lesser on electric bills and reduce wind power cost figures. Also, provided you get hold of a good training manual, you cam install the wind energy system on your own. Such a manual would have tips on the installation procedure, the parts of the house where system can work with maximum efficiency, and the wiring networks and the necessary precautionary measures. A manual would also help you know how to get the various components of the system at cheaper rates, and the batteries for free. Get hold of a guide that would help you on all these issues, and then easily set up your own wind power system.

Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor, home energy consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy". Jim has written dozens of home energy related articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More about Jim Martin´s Unique Step By Step Solar and Wind Power System Visit: How Long Will Wind Energy Last.