How To Make Your Own Windmill – Essential Tips
Buying a stock windmill is likely to cost anything from 10,000 to 30,000 dollars or more, even for a domestic installation, so it is worth thinking about how to build your own windmill. In fact it is very easy and straightforward, and there are plenty of people who claim to have done it for less than 200 dollars. This kind of money will not get you a grand windmill, but the potential savings are really significant.
So, if you are thinking about making a windmill, what do you need to do first? These are some things to consider at the outset:
- Local average wind speed. Whatever others might tell you, windmills do not operate very well in average winds under 10 mph. The US Department of Energy has made available detailed wind resource maps, which should be checked before making a windmill.
- Local building regulations and codes. Check these to see if you can build a windmill. Usually, small windmills will be acceptable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Available windmill space. Plan on roughly half an acre for a small windmill.
- Next-door neighbors. It is sensible to include your neighbors in your plans, and prepare to overcome any prejudices about possible noise, TV interference and so on.
- Windmill capacity. The generating capacity of your windmill should not exceed your electricity useage. The utility company does not have to buy any surplus from you, only offset against your grid consumption.
- Need for batteries. If you intend to live off-grid you will need to have batteries for electricity storage. It is possible to get these for nothing if you know where to look. Or you might decide to use your windmill simply as a way of reducing your draw on the grid supply.
These are some of the reasons why it is often best to seek advice from windmill experts when planning to build your own windmill. You will then be in a good position to choose the right plans, which should include a complete materials list, sources of materials and clear, step-by-step instructions.
Small windmills have only a few components. Typically these are:
- A propeller (actually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)
- A DC motor
- A fantail
- A mounting shaft to which these are fitted
- A mounting pole
- An inverter, if AC is required
- Batteries
With some electrical cable and a collection of nuts and bolts, that’s all you need. Almost certainly you will have many of these items in your shed but, even if you have to buy everything, 200 dollars should get you all that is required. Putting them together and installing the turbine on your site can be done in a weekend.
Detailed plans to show you how to make a windmill are available at very little cost and are an excellent investment. Practical-Solar has more information.