pros and cons of an wind energy

If you are considering investing in a wind turbine to create electricity for your home, you'll likely spend some time researching how they work and if this investment is worth it. Like other environmentally-friendly options, there are many pros and cons of wind energy to weigh against one another.

Pros
•The creation of wind energy is "clean". Unlike the use of coal or oil, generating energy from the wind doesn't produce pollutants or require any harmful chemicals.
•Wind is free. If you live in a geographical location that receives plenty of wind, it is there for the taking.
•As a renewable resource, wind can never be depleted like other natural, non-renewable resources.
•The electric company may end up owing you. If you generate more electricity than you need from wind power, it can be fed back into the grid and you'll receive credit.
•The cost of producing wind energy has dropped significantly in recent years, and as it gains popularity, it will continue to become more affordable.
•You will recoup the cost of purchasing and installing your wind turbine over a relatively short period of time.
•Wind turbines can provide energy for many homes. You don't necessarily have to own a wind turbine in order to reap the benefits; you can purchase your electricity from a utility company that harnesses wind energy.
•Tax incentives are offered for installing wind turbines on the federal and state levels.
•Land owners who rent land to wind farms can make quite a bit of extra money, and wind energy also creates new jobs in this growing technology field.
•Wind turbines are considered by some to be beautiful. The modern versions look nothing like pastoral Dutch windmills, but they are white, sleek and modern.
•Wind energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels from foreign countries.

Cons
•Wind doesn't always blow consistently, and turbines typically operate at only 30 percent capacity. If the weather is not in your favor, you may end up without electricity (or at least you'll have to rely on the utility company).
•Severe storms or extremely high winds might cause damage to your wind turbine, especially when they are struck by lightning.
•The blades of wind turbines can sometimes be dangerous to wildlife, particularly birds.
•Wind turbines create a sound that averages around 60 decibels, and if you don't have enough space to locate it away from your house it may prove to be a nuisance.
•Some people believe that wind turbines are unattractive, so your neighbors may complain.
•Compliance with city codes and ordinances may be bothersome when you are trying to install a wind turbine. In some cases, height restrictions may prevent you from installing one.
•Wind turbines and other equipment required to create wind energy can be very expensive up front, and depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find a vendor and someone who can maintain the equipment.
•It requires a lot of open land to set up wind turbines, and cutting down trees sort of defeats the green purpose. Desirable areas to install them are often located far from dense urban areas that could benefit the most from their power.
•Wind turbines may interfere with reception for televisions or other equipment.

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There is no one size fits all, perfect solution to creating energy without causing damage to the environment. Wind energy has many benefits, but its downside prevents some people from taking advantage of this plentiful natural resource. It may not be the answer to the world's electrical needs, but combined with other renewable energy resources, it can help us cut our dependence on coal and oil. Before you install a wind turbine, carefully weigh all the pros and cons of wind energy before deciding if it's right for you.