How to Buy Windmills for Home Use

Small wind-energy systems use a renewable source, the wind, to create electricity for use in the home. The energy generated by a windmill is stored in batteries and an inverter is used to convert the energy in the batteries to 110 volt AC for home use. There are some risks involved in creating your own system. Birds are sometimes killed by the windmill blades, and some people are sensitive to the sound the blades make as they turn.

Things You'll Need

• Wind charts
• Wind data logger
• One acre of land

Instructions

1. Research your location's suitability for wind power. Consult wind charts and log the wind velocity over a period of time to ensure there's enough sustained wind to generate electricity. An average annual wind speed of about 10 mph is best for systems that will be connected to the grid.

2. Check your jurisdiction for regulations on windmills. Find out what permits you'll need and apply for them well in advance of the time you'll start construction.

3. Decide how many windmills you want, the type and the size. Capacity is measured in kilowatts. The size windmill you need is determined by how much electricity you need to generate and the wind speeds in your area.

4. Contact your utility company and see if it has a net metering program. Excess energy generated by your windmill can be sold to your utility, which in turn may require you to have the system insured for up to $1 million.

5. Research tax credits that are available from the federal government and some municipalities and states. Look for grants that assist in the cost of building small wind-energy systems.

6. Make sure you have an appropriate site for your windmill. It should be sited on at least an acre of land where there are no obstacles in the path of the wind. Dedicate space in your home for the battery packs and other equipment you'll need, such as an inverter. Choose an inverter that can handle the electrical load of your home.

7. Hire an installer or install the windmill yourself. Look for contractors with experience in windmill construction. Do-it-yourselfers should research the types of kits available or order instructions on how to build a windmill from the ground up, and be comfortable with pouring a foundation, erecting towers and working with electricity.

References

• Small Scale Use of Windmills
• US Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
• Wind Resource Maps

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Choosing an Inverter
• Wind Power Resources
• Do It Yourself Instructions for Building a Windmill
• Wind Data Logger