Build Your Own Wind Turbine at Home
Want to know how to build your own wind turbine? Believe it or not, small wind turbines are not just projects for bearded enthusiasts, but a real possibility for the average home owner.
Not only can you fulfill your own energy requirements, but you can make some extra money by selling the generated electricity back to your utility company.
To kick this project off you first need to decide whether you will build you wind turbine from scratch or if you purchase a ready made kit.
To build from scratch, you have to consider building the tower, the generator and even whether you will carve the windmill blade from wood.
You won't have the trouble the Wright brothers had as there are many sites on the internet where you can acquire the dimensions and angles you need.
Before you start your project you will need to investigate the wind potential of your site.
Wind atlas details are available online, and you can also monitor the prevailing winds using a small wind meter (or anemometer) over a period of weeks.
With the data you collect you can decide whether a wind turbine on this site is a viable option.
Don't forget to look at other not so exciting projects that you can undertake to save money.
Insulation is the quickest and cheapest area where you can save money.
Consider roof, window and wall cavity insulation The basic parts needed to build your own wind turbine include the structure to support the blades and generator, the electrics to connect it to the generator, and the tail assembly which points the blade into the prevailing wind.
Also you need to decide where you are going to position it.
If its going on the roof then make sure its strong enough.
Also check with your neighbors to make sure they are happy with your proposal.
You also need to check with your local authority on planning regulations.
The actual assembly time to build your own wind turbine may only take a few days but you will need to know some basic electrical circuitry to hook your shiny new wind turbine up to your house.
If you are intending to sell some of your surplus energy back to your electricity supplier, then you will need a qualified electrician to help you out with this.
So what happens when the wind stops blowing? You will need to purchase a battery to store the excess energy for later.
Again, shop around and factor this into your project plan.
Not only can you fulfill your own energy requirements, but you can make some extra money by selling the generated electricity back to your utility company.
To kick this project off you first need to decide whether you will build you wind turbine from scratch or if you purchase a ready made kit.
To build from scratch, you have to consider building the tower, the generator and even whether you will carve the windmill blade from wood.
You won't have the trouble the Wright brothers had as there are many sites on the internet where you can acquire the dimensions and angles you need.
Before you start your project you will need to investigate the wind potential of your site.
Wind atlas details are available online, and you can also monitor the prevailing winds using a small wind meter (or anemometer) over a period of weeks.
With the data you collect you can decide whether a wind turbine on this site is a viable option.
Don't forget to look at other not so exciting projects that you can undertake to save money.
Insulation is the quickest and cheapest area where you can save money.
Consider roof, window and wall cavity insulation The basic parts needed to build your own wind turbine include the structure to support the blades and generator, the electrics to connect it to the generator, and the tail assembly which points the blade into the prevailing wind.
Also you need to decide where you are going to position it.
If its going on the roof then make sure its strong enough.
Also check with your neighbors to make sure they are happy with your proposal.
You also need to check with your local authority on planning regulations.
The actual assembly time to build your own wind turbine may only take a few days but you will need to know some basic electrical circuitry to hook your shiny new wind turbine up to your house.
If you are intending to sell some of your surplus energy back to your electricity supplier, then you will need a qualified electrician to help you out with this.
So what happens when the wind stops blowing? You will need to purchase a battery to store the excess energy for later.
Again, shop around and factor this into your project plan.