Do You Want To Build Your Own Windmill?
Buying a ready-made windmill can easily cost anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000, so it is interesting to consider how to build a windmill for oneself. And it is really very easy to do, with some people claiming to make a do-it-yourself windmill for as little as $200. This kind of money will not get you a grand windmill, but the potential savings are pretty significant.
So, what does it take to build your own windmill? Before starting to build your own windmill you should do some research:
- Average wind speed. Whatever others might tell you, windmills do not work very well in average winds under 10 mph. The US Government publishes detailed wind resource maps, which should be checked before making a windmill.
- Building Codes. Find out if you will be allowed to build the type of windmill you want. Usually, small windmills will be acceptable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Available windmill space. A small windmill will need about half an acre.
- Adjacent properties. Good idea to talk to neighbors at the planning stage, and overcome their objections to potential noise, interference with TV reception and similar concerns.
- Windmill capacity. The generating capacity of your windmill should not exceed your electricity useage. The utility company will not buy any surplus from you, only offset against any power you draw from the grid.
- Storage. 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 and other considerations make it sensible to get some guidance and advice from experts in windmill design and construction in the early stages of planning the project. 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.
You need only a few components to build your own windmill. Typically these are:
- A propeller (usually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)
- A DC motor
- A tail fin
- A mounting shaft to which these are fitted
- A mounting pole
- An inverter, if AC is required
- Batteries
With some electrical wiring and a few fasteners you will have everything needed to build your own windmill. You probably have most of the necessary parts in your shed but, even if you have to buy everything, you should be able to assemble all you need for less than $200. Putting them together and installing the turbine on your site can be done 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. Our specialized website has more information.
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