How To Make Your Own Windmill - Essential Tips
Written by bmlengel on February 7th, 2010
Buying a stock windmill can easily cost anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 dollars, 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 under 200 dollars. This kind of money will not get you a grand windmill, but the potential savings on your electricity bills will still be very 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:
- Average wind speed in your area. Whatever others might tell you, windmills do not operate very well in average winds of less than 10 mph. The US Government has made available detailed wind resource maps, which are worth checking before fitting a windmill.
- Local building regulations and codes. Check these to see if you can build a windmill. For a small windmill you probably will be OK, but it’s best to make sure.
- Area of windmill site. For a small windmill you should allow about half an acre.
- 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. No point in making a huge windmill that will generate more electricity than you need. The utility company does not have to buy any surplus from you, only offset against any power you draw from the grid.
- Batteries. Independence from the electric grid will mean including storage batteries. These can cost you nothing if you know the secret. Or plan to use your windmill to partially offset your utility bills.
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 select the right plans, which should include a complete materials list, sources of materials and clear, step-by-step instructions.
A small diy windmill is very straightforward, and comprises only a few components. Typically these are:
- A propeller (actually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)
- A DC motor
- A tail fin
- An axle to which these are fitted
- A tower
- An inverter, if AC is required
- Storage batteries
With some electrical cable and a collection of nuts and bolts, that’s all you need. Many of these items are most likely in your shed but, even if you have to buy everything, 200 dollars should get you all that is required. Even a diy novice can put together a small windmill and fit it in a weekend.
Details about how to make a windmill are available from a number of sources, and you can get a set of good-quality plans for very little money. Practical-Solar has more information.
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