Like solar power, wind turbines have the ability to create significant renewable energy, but they are usually seen in large formats in fields across the country. Realtor.com’s Terri Williams asks if the clean fuel source was made readily available for single-family homes, could it power the whole home? And if so, at what cost? See her findings below.
If you live in a crowded residential area where the wind rarely blows, wind turbines are probably not a good idea. DiClerico says the strongest breezes are usually on the coast, along ridge lines, and on the open plains. But there are other location-specific requirements as well.
“Your home needs to be on a lot that’s at least 1 acre in size,” he says. If it’s smaller than that, the wind turbine could interfere with your neighbor’s property.
“Even if your lot is large enough, local zoning codes and covenants must permit wind turbines,” he says. And if you live in—or are considering living in—a homeowners association, DiClerico says many HOAs and suburban communities won’t allow residential wind turbines.
“For all these reasons, wind turbines are most common in rural areas, where the winds blow fast and frequent, neighbors are scarce, and few codes and covenants apply,” he says.
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