If you’re looking for ways to avoid paying money to a utility company forever, it’s time to learn about installing your own wind-power generator.

The idea of no more utility bills sounds pretty appealing. But there’s an even more compelling reason to start using renewable wind energy: Fossil fuels are not only limited in supply, their production and burning are detrimental to the environment. Want to leave a better planet for your grandchildren? Make changes in your energy use today.

Why wind energy?

Wind is free, abundant, and available to more than 90 per cent of the USA—unless tall buildings or geographical features prevent access to a steady breeze. Building a DIY wind generator is relatively simple and costs a lot less than many people think.

The basic elements include a structure to mount the blade on, a tail assembly to keep its attitude into the breeze, and gearing to turn the action of the blade into energy capable of being stored. For most of us, the best option is to purchase a kit. But some DIY enthusiasts like to start from scratch. Whichever category you fall into, you’ll need to do a bit of research first.

Ask the Right Questions

Start by answering several critically important questions:

Does your zoning allow it? If you live in a city, this is one of the first questions you should answer. If the answer is no, you can try to fight City Hall, but you might want to have several like-minded people fighting with you. Without a permit, you may find yourself spending more money on lawyers than you’ll save on electricity. Sad fact. But a real consideration.

Where will the structure be situated? The higher the better is one basic principle, but tall towers are not necessarily required with the modern light weight blades and generators.

How close can it be to your neighbors? Vibration and noise may be factors, so you’ll want to make sure you’re not creating more problems than you’re solving by installing a wind generator. The newer style wooden and composite fiber blades create less vibration and noise than their older counterparts. But make sure you and any nearby neighbors are in agreement before you install a generator that you might later have to take down.

Where will you mount it? Roof mounting will be the most likely option, and the average DIY enthusiast will have no problem building this. Keep in mind that it is important to make sure the structure won’t be affected by trees and overhanging branches. Think about visual interference as well. Are you planning to put your wind generator where it will obstruct a neighbor’s best view? Not a good idea.

What’s the prevailing wind direction? Wind maps are available from online sources and government sites. If you’re serious about building a home generator, invest in a wind meter that will supply all the data you need over a few months. Once you know the prevailing wind direction, you can easily fix the tail assembly to maintain the correct attitude into the wind.

Do you need an electrician? If you’ve got basic DIY skills, you’ll likely have no problem fixing the gearing and generator. But you’ll want a licensed electrician to wire and connect the motor to turn the energy into electric power. That’s especially true if you intend to supply surplus energy to the grid for credit. (That’s another good question to answer: Does your state allow you to sell surplus power back to the grid?)

What type of battery do you need, and where should you install it? Finding an efficient battery that can be easily disposed of when it’s no longer holding a charge will take some research. Ask your local suppliers, and if they can’t help you, check on the web. In most cases, a small shed with a concrete pad will suffice to hold the battery.

Ready to Get Started?

Now you’re ready for the next step: finding or purchasing DIY wind generator plans.

Good luck! And please let us know about your progress.

J.M. Ratliff

Publisher

Green Energy Guru

Tags: DIY, Save Money, Wind Energy, Wind Generator