A2X Consulting

“In 2004, about 6% of all energy consumed and about 9% of total electricity production was from renewable energy resources,” reports the Energy Information Association. The developed world’s dependence on harmful sources of energy such as fossil fuels is nothing new; the Industrial Revolution spurred this trend. But, as energy prices now rise steadily in today’s withering economy, many small businesses find themselves drowning in the costs of powering their organizations. This won’t be the norm forever, though. One of the most important and exhilarating – and possibly one of the riskiest – ways to help the economy, and aid in reversing the global warming humans and their industries have brought on, is to invest in alternative energy sources. While these sources were available in the early 1800’s, scientists are finally beginning to take note. Although there are a plethora of alternative energy sources to consider, wind energy is one of the most visible sources with which you can fuel your business.

Wind Turbines

Wind is everywhere, and certainly renewable, thus making the turbines it powers one of the cleanest and most viable sources of alternative energy on the market now.

How It Works

• Wind turns the blades of a turbine, which spin a shaft that connects them to a generator. The generator then uses this mechanical energy to produce electricity.

• Find answers to all the more mechanical procedures at the U.S Department of Energy’s Wind & Hydropower Technologies Program’s Website, viewable here.

Advantages

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “wind energy is a clean fuel source because it doesn’t pollute the air like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, and does not produce atmospheric emissions.”

• Furthermore, wind energy is a domestic source of energy, indicating less money the U.S needs to spend on foreign oil and energy sources. Also, companies place several wind turbines in rural areas like the Appalachian Mountains and farmlands, directing an economy and several vital resources there.

Disadvantages

• Despite the benefits to the country’s rural areas, wind turbines may compete with other uses for the land, such as farming and foresting.

• Also, says the Department of Energy, “good wind sites are often located in remote locations, far from cities where the electricity is needed.”

• Furthermore, “even though the cost of wind power has decreased dramatically in the past 10 years, the technology requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators.”

How to Acquire It

• Make sure your area is conducive to the use of wind power.The strength of the wind depends on the location of your firm and how high your turbine stretches.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “the good winds are up high.” So, check this map to see if there are strong winds in your area.

• Ensure that installing a turbine near you would be legal; you wouldn’t want to alienate neighbors.

• The eventual costs of wind energy will all but wipe out the expensive electric bills your business receives monthly. Prices to set up a windmill are available through the American Wind Energy Association’s website, awea.com, or by clicking “login” at this website. You can also follow the AWEA on Twitter.

By Fallon M. McCormick.