Can I install a windmill on my property in Poconos? (To save on electric bill) (how much)

[Voice903fm]

Our house in the Poconos is all electric and we're paying an average $500 per month. A friend of ours who installs solar and windmills has offered to install a windmill and solar system on our property that will erase my electric bill almost completely. It will pay for itself over the first 18 months.

Has any here ever done this or know if we are allowed to use windmills in the Poconos?

If yes how much did yours cost?

Did it really save you money and how much monthly?

If yes, did you need a permit?

If yes how much space did you need to build on?

If we're not allowed to use them why not?

Any information will be appreciated.

[Wells5]

There are no general restrictions of which I'm aware in the Poconos. There may be some local ordinances regulating noise. I'd be a bit skeptical about paying for the system with savings on your electric bill in 18 months. A commercial grade 10 kilowatt wind turbine installation can cost from $3000 to $8000 per kilowatt depending on location, choice of equipment and labor rates.

Do a Google search for "living off the grid." You can connect with people who already do.

[thecoalman]

As far as the wind mill goes the first place to start is the local ordinances.

You don't just go and install a windmill. You need to find out if it's suitable location and be sure you use third party to do the testing that doesn't sell windmills. If you don't have enough wind it's going to cost you money, I know one person that already got burned. They firgure they will break even after 25 years assuming nothing happens to the windmill.

It will pay for itself over the first 18 months.

There is no way that is possible. Ask them to sign a contract guaranteeing you'll see a return in 5 years and they are going to balk.

[Voice903fm]

Originally Posted by Wells5

I'd be a bit skeptical about paying for the system with savings on your electric bill in 18 months.

He's a friend of the family so he's only charging us the material. He told us it will generate 200 volts. Does this sound correct?

[thecoalman]

It's going to be measured in watts and that will be variable depending on the amount of wind/sun. If the capacity is 200 watt that is a fairly small windmill. From there you need to know what the percentage of the capacity is going to be and without an assessment you won't know until it's installed. It might only be 20% or 40watts on average. That on average will power two CFL's....

He's a friend of the family so he's only charging us the material.

That 18 months is still too low. Look at it this way, if you could get payback in 18 months on windmill everyone and their mother would be tripping over themselves to install one.

[Voice903fm]

Thanks, this information has been very educating.

The material would cost $5000.00 which is a little over what iPad in a year for electric annually. I will,double check with him again On the wattage it will generate on a average.

[Gettingouttahere]

There is an Energy Department wind map here
It shows average potential winds for our area. Unless you live on the top of a mountain, they are generally not conducive to wind power. We looked at the map and knew, for our hilly area, as we're kind of in a ravine, that it made no sense.