Monday, August 17, 2009

DIY Wind Turbine - Learn How to Harness the Wind

By Tristan West

There is no question about it, more and more people around the world are turning to alternative energy sources to generate electricity for their homes. Constructing a DIY wind turbine and DIY solar panels are, as people are learning, is something they can do for themselves and for relatively little money.

Just about anyone can build a DIY wind turbine for as little as $200 that can generate enough power to meet the needs of an average home. Solar panels are also inexpensive and easy to make. Panels linked together can generate plenty of electricity to power your home for under $200 as well. In addition, you will find all the materials you need at your local home improvement center or hardware store. No special tools are needed other than those already in your workshop.

The first thing you need to do is purchase a set of plans. Plans for DIY wind turbines and solar panels are readily available on the internet. Some plans include a video that will show you step by step how to build the alternative energy project of your choice. These plans are usually less than $50.

Manufactured wind turbines can be purchased, but they are extremely costly. For those who are absolutely convinced they cannot build their own turbine or who dont mind spending thousands of dollars to buy a readymade turbine can do so. But chances are, if youre reading this article, you think a DIY windmill project is within your capabilities and might even be a very satisfying undertaking.

Using the sun and the wind to generate power for your home can save you a considerable amount of money on your power bill. Tax breaks are available for those who use wind and solar power as well. When you file your taxes a substantial deduction can be taken. Having this alternative energy source available will also increase the value of your home and make your home more desirable should you decide to sell it.

People throughout the world are turning to renewable energy options. Home owners in civilized countries everywhere are building DIY wind turbines and solar panels and reaping the benefits in lower energy costs. They are saving money and happily doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint on our planet. This trend promises to continue into the future with more and more people creating their own energy.

How much energy you will generate depends on several factors. Obviously if you live in a climate that gets a lot of wind you will be able to generate more electricity than less windy location. The size of the turbine also plays a role in how much energy is captured and converted into electricity. Research has shown that the average home can be powered for an entire day with just a couple hours of the wind blowing at a moderate pace.

Wind turbines operate by kinetic energy which simply means that the blowing wind captures the blades of the rotor and makes it turn. That energy from that turning motion is captured and converted into electricity. The electricity that is captured can be stored and will provide power even when the wind is not blowing and the blades of the turbine are still.

Homeowners who build and use a DIY wind turbine can expect to save 80% on their power bill. If the conditions are right you can eliminate your power bill entirely. Better still, it is possible to generate more than enough electricity to meet your needs. This excess energy can then be sold back to the power company and generate income for you. Not only will you save money with a DIY wind turbine and DIY solar panels, but you will know you are doing the right thing for the environment.

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