Ready to Use Wind Power Generators to Power Your Home?
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Before you even consider using wind power generators, you need to be thinking about how much wind you get in the area where you live.
A windmill solution requires wind! So what you need to be looking for is a wind speed that exceeds 8MPH (on average).
But even 8MPH is considered a low-wind-speed area for a wind turbine generator. The average ideal speed is 12MPH.
The best way to find out how much wind your area gets is to do a search for wind speed charts + (your location) that fit your area.
Once you know that the average wind speed in your area is suitable for installing a wind power generator, then you're ready to start building!
But don't despair if you don’t live in a suitable area. In that case, you could always consider a solar power conversion kit instead.
Wind turbine considerations
After you’ve determined that wind power is suitable for your area then there are a few essential questions you need to consider.
Don't skip over this part – taking the time to do it will ensure you choose a wind power system that fits.
And this is even more important if you are planning to live off the grid!
Your power needs
It's essential to think about your power needs. Are you simply looking to reduce your power bill with a single small wind generator?
Or, are you intending to power your entire home?
If you’re looking to power your whole home, then set aside time to calculate your actual power requirements.
To do this effectively you need a guide, calculator and instructions how to do it.
Storing power from wind turbines
Another important consideration is having a storage system for your wind generator. A simple layout of batteries can be designed to store as little or as much power as needed, all depending on what sized wind generator you want to build.
If living 'off the grid' is what you're working towards, then energy storage is of the utmost importance. Calculate your power needs to design this part of your system, keeping in mind how much power you'll need to store and for how long.
For example, you may have weeks where the wind is dismal, so in that case, ensure that you have enough batteries setup to compensate. (You can also reduce you energy needs by using high efficiency bulbs and appliances!)
Have a backup plan in place
Having a backup plan is a whole new story, but is worth considering too, especially if you plan to run laptops, TV or other electrical gear consistently.
Ensure that you design your wind power generator with a backup plan in place. A small gas operated generator is adequate to ensure you have backup power if something goes wrong.
Alternatively, a diesel or fuel based generator can do the same thing. Or, if you can 'fudge' it, maybe even solar panels as some sort of backup system!
I’m Martin Hurley - the friendliest and most helpful person in the wind generator field! (That’s me on an ‘early’ electric bike, way back in 2010). I write posts and reviews about wind power, green energy, wind turbine kits, wind energy tools, tech and more. Depending where you live, one day I’m sure there’ll be wind generators built into our homes, our vehicles and on every street corner - and they’ll be fantastically efficient!