Home Built Wind Generators - How To Make A Windmill

Inflation in the price of utilities, like electricity and gas, is provoking a rethink on using alternative methods to generate power. If you have taken a car journey to any remote parts of the country, you will porbably have seen banks of wind turbines scattered acros the countryside or even in parts of the sea. They are generally hard to miss as they are massive pylon like constructions with a large rotor at the top. The rotors are turned by wind power that is converted to electrical power by a generator. This is sold to homeowners by the utility companies.

Many people are looking at building a wind generator that makes electricity to offset their normal energy use. This can help to reduce your energy bills and also lessen your reliance on traditional sources of energy, like coal and gas. This article will discuss how to go about making a home built wind generator.

Why a Home Built Wind Generator ?

Traditionally wind generators are found in remote or isolated homes that have to find alternate ways to create power rather than rely on the grid for power. Generally the home will have a good amount of space to erect a wind generator. In most cases it is used alongside other energy generating methods. Thus it can be used in combination with another energy generating system, like a gas powered generator or, more commonly these days, a solar power system.

The advantage of having a solar/wind energy generating set up is that the wind can work at all times but is more likely to be effective when the sun is down and the solar power system doesn't work. Thus your hybrid energy creating system is fully operational all the time.

Two considerations when it comes to windmill generators is that you have enough wind and enough space. If your home is in a residential area then you may want to consider the feelings of your neighbors as they will be unhappy about a large (and even loud) structure blocking their view or other factors. It is good practice to inform your neighbors that you are embarking on such a project as it will keep them on side and more tolerant during the construction.

Kit Versus Do It Yourself

The next question is whether to buy a kit or do it yourself. The basic argument for each option comes down to the cost. A kit will cost more but you will probably find it easier to put up and may well save time on the project. You may even get support from the vendor when installing the system if you are not comfortable with DIY work.

A home built system will be cheaper to make but will be harder to build and will probably take more time to complete. You expertise in DIY will be a factor in this. You can make your life a little easier by getting one of the many DIY manuals that can be found on the internet or in bookstores now.

A home made wind generator that is made from one of these manuals will cost about $200 (excluding your time) so it can be far more cost effective than buying a kit or getting a professional to construct the system.

The quantity of electricity that your wind generator can produce will be determined by the amount of wind, how consistent it is and the size of your system. Where you live and the wind conditions can determine whether a generator may just reduce your utility bill by a few dollar each month or be a significant source of your energy needs.

Get more information on a step by step guide to building your own wind generator and a solar power system at Earth4Energy and many other facts and figures about alternative energy at solar power appliances