Solar turbines, which most often are seen congregating in great numbers somewhere near the middle of nowhere plotting their attack, are now being sized (and some would argue priced) for home use.   The New York Times reports that though the use of residential windmills was until recently only for “hippies and rednecks” (honestly their quote and not mine), the turbines are becoming more common as more states offer incentives to homeowners willing to invest in their own power.   As well, “States have also enacted so-called net metering laws that require utilities to buy excess power made by a residential turbine at retail rather than wholesale prices.”  All this adds up to the fact that solar turbines, though certainly still a niche market, are becoming not only accessible to the public, but possibly even profitable.

However, the Times would like to warn you of something you may not have considered.   “Whether a residential turbine saves a money or just eases ecological guilt depends largely on the wind.”  I know.   Get this: whether or not a windmill works depends on whether there is wind to mill.   Crazy, innit?  And this breaking news coming from the guys that leaked the Pentagon Papers.   Amazing.

Anyway, you can by learning more about residential solar turbines from our good friends at the American Wind Energy Association, and pick up some tips on how to install your own wind turbine.   But remember what the New York Times tells you.   If you live somewhere there is literally no wind, you might not want to put this plan into action.