Video: Creating your own energy

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SEATTLE - Winds of change may be blowing through your neighborhood.

Whatcom County is considering allowing homeowners to set up large turbines on their property.

And in some places, people like Sue Wallace are putting smaller turbines on their roofs to generate energy.

Wallace says she's got people looking up lately.

"I've had at least 20 people knock on the door and say, 'Tell me about what's on your roof,'" she said.

What's causing all the ruckus? A roof-mounted wind turbine she recently installed on top of her house to help produce energy.

"I'm going to save some money of off our electric bill," she said. "We're doing it to teach our kids that it's time to start thinking about the environment."

Ron Stimmel of the American Wind Energy Association just completed a global study on small wind turbines.

"…that showed the U.S. industry grew about 15 percent last year alone," he said.

Meaning thousands of the whirling wind-catchers are dotting the landscape coast to coast.

"The technology is remarkably simple, just two or three moving parts," Stimmel said. "It takes the motion from the wind, turns it into motion to the blades, spins them around and generates clean electricity."

Here's how to get spinning: First, experts recommend that your area have average wind speeds of about 12 miles per hour. Next, check out zoning laws in your community.

Then, once in the clear, decide which type fits your needs.

Smaller rooftop models are designed to offset overall home use. Larger pole-mounted models require certain amounts of land but can possibly power an entire house. Regardless which type you choose, some can tie into the electrical grid. That's what Robin Wilson does.

"We don't necessarily use this power, but we generate power and put it back on the grid and then we get a credit," he said. "For every kilowatt we put in, we get a credit back."

Monthly savings can vary greatly, but the Department of Energy says you can possibly shave 50 to 90 percent off your utility bill.

Some do oppose the blades because of appearance or slight noise.

"The environmental impacts of wind are almost entirely positive," Stimmel said. "You have no emissions, there's no dangerous hazardous waste."

"I might hear a little noise every once in a while, it doesn't really bother me," Wallace said.

There's up front cost. A unit big enough to power a house can run anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000 installed.

"That's a lot of money for a lot of people," Stimmel said. "But if they last 20 to 30 years, you can see a payback in as little as six years."

Zoning regulations for wind turbines vary from community to community, so check with your local officials for rules and permit procedures