Among the available green energy options, wind energy is one of the most popular renewable energy sources in Texas.

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy, and why is it one of the most popular types of green energy? We’ll discuss everything you need to know about wind energy and its pros & cons.

What Is Wind Energy?

Wind energy refers to any type of energy produced by the movement of wind or natural airflow. The force of the wind creates mechanical energy by moving turbines connected to generators, which then produce electricity.

Wind Energy Advantages & Disadvantages

As with any energy source, there are advantages and disadvantages to wind energy, as outlined below.

Advantages of wind energy

  • Doesn’t Use Fossil Fuels

The wind turbines are powered solely by the kinetic power of wind, which means that no fossil fuels are used whatsoever. Much of the pollution produced by fossil fuels comes from the combustion process, so using wind energy eliminates all smoke emissions.

  • Clean and Renewable

One of the most significant advantages of wind energy is that the energy is both clean and renewable. There are no greenhouse gasses emitted when creating electricity. What’s more, since wind is a virtually limitless natural resource, there is no risk of the source running out.

  • Cheap to Produce

Compared to conventional fossil fuels, wind energy is 62% cheaper to produce. The only major expenditure for wind energy production is the initial cost of constructing the wind turbines.

  • Creates Jobs

According to the Global Wind Energy Council, wind energy has the potential to create more than three million new jobs starting from 2021. These jobs range from planning and development to installation, operation, and maintenance.

  • Efficient Land Space Use

Large wind farms can be created on relatively small land areas since the bulk of space consumed is vertical, compared to sprawling land areas needed for conventional fossil fuels.

Disadvantages of  wind energy

  • Sporadic

One of the most noticeable wind energy disadvantages is that the force of kinetic energy produced by wind can be intermittent. Unless the wind energy farm is located in a naturally windy area, it can be hard to rely on a consistent electricity output.

  • Noise Pollution

Wind turbines are noisy when they are in operation, so most wind farms are located either offshore or in rural areas where local communities will not be disturbed by the constant noise.

  • Can Be Dangerous to Flying Wildlife

The powerful movement of wind turbines can be dangerous to wildlife, particularly to bats and birds. While not the most significant hazard that flying wildlife faces, studies have shown that wind turbines kill around one million birds each year in the US.

  • High Upfront Costs

On average, a single commercial wind turbine costs around $1.3 to $2.4 million to create. Residential or farm wind turbines will cost around $50,000 to $80,000 per structure.

Should You Switch to Wind Energy?

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy, it’s time for the (possibly literal) million-dollar question: should you switch to using wind energy? It all depends on your power needs, vision, and available budget.

Your power needs and your budget work hand in hand. A large home, for example, needs roughly 10 kilowatts of electricity per day to operate normally. Since wind turbines cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 per kilowatt, you will need to invest at least $30,000 to create the required structure to power your home. Luckily, many states provide tax breaks and incentives for homeowners and business owners who want to switch to using renewable energy. Check your local ordinances to see if you would be eligible for any of these incentives.

In terms of your vision, switching to renewable energy is essentially pledging to be more environmentally conscious. You will be reducing your carbon footprint and investing in a greener future.

Take Steps Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow, Today

Now Power dedicates itself to providing reliable,  energy plans for our communities in Texas. Call us today at 844-227-2648 to learn more about our available plans.