Are you tired of the constant upward spiraling of electric costs? In thirty of the last 35 years the cost of electricity has increased, often by more that 10 percent. Government on all levels has done very little to hold down power costs and in many ways has hindered utility company efforts to build more plants. Many people, perhaps yourself included, are searching for ways to control their electric costs and supply. Solar power is an option but for many folks a DIY wind turbine offers a better choice. Is a homemade wind turbine right for you?
Why choose wind power as an alternative to the utility company? Of course the main reason is cost. Once installed a DIY wind turbine system will produce “free electricity” for the next 20 to 25 years. You are locking in your electric cost using today’s dollar value. The current average kilo watt cost in the U.S. is 11.76 cents. Just imagine what it will be in 25 years.
A second reason to switch is to guarantee your supply of electricity. When your neighbors are shivering in the dark because an ice storm broke the power lines, you will be safe and warm. Don’t be surprised when they want to know all the details about your homemade wind turbine.
Finally, you will be helping save our environment. The electricity your DIY wind turbine produces is clean energy. Carbon based fossil fuels used for electric generation pollute our air, wind generated power does not.
However before you get excited and start building your wind system, you need to determine if a homemade wind turbine will work in your situation. Ask yourself these 3 questions.
1. Is there enough average wind speed in my area to effectively make my own electricity? Check with your nearest U.S. Weather Service office. They will have all the historical data you need. As a rule of thumb, you will need at least an average wind speed of 10 miles per hour.
2. Can I legally install a wind turbine on my property? You need to check with your local government and neighborhood association to make sure there are no restrictions.
3. Am I willing to follow instructions and will I complete the project? Here is where you must be brutally honest with yourself. If you just jump into a project without knowing what you are doing or if you have several dozen unfinished DIY projects, do yourself a favor and pass on this one. If however you can answer yes to this question you are ready for the next step.
Before you do anything else, get a good set of diagrams and instructions.
If you are interested in building your own wind turbines carefully select your plans. Much of what is available online is incomplete and has been written by hobbyists. Search out plans written by alternative energy experts. Their experience will make your project much easier.
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If you are interested in building your own wind turbines carefully select your plans. Much of what is available online is incomplete and has been written by hobbyists. Search out plans written by alternative energy experts. Their experience will make your project much easier.
Here’s the bottom line:
For the most complete wind and solar systems guide, written by folks who design and install these systems, check out http://www.green-power-easy.info