Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Home Built Wind Generator - Kits vs Do It Yourself

By Adrian Fletcher

It may seem implausible to you to dispense with your utility company, but for many people this is becoming a reality. And the motivation is many fold. however, top of the reasons is that it can save money.

Electricity bills go up and the rate at which they inflate seems to be breaking all previous records. Whether there are genuine supply and demand reasons for this increase or other factors like greed or politics behind it all, the truth remains that people are warming to alternatives. One such alternative is a home built wind generator

Why a Home Built Wind Generator ?

Simply put, why not ? Here are some of the advantages

Upon installing your wind generator, you have a pretty much maintenance free source of free energy. Sounds like a good reason to me, however there are a few caveats. You need to be situated in an area that gets an adequate amount of wind. You also need a plot of spare land on your property to locate the turbine.

Kits Vs Home Grown

The popularity of alternative energy has encouraged many products to be launched in the home built wind generator field. Basically, you can buy a kit or you can buy plans and build the generator from scratch. The kit is easier to put together and requires less expertise but will cost more. If you do it yourself you have more scope to customize your turbine for your location or needs.

If you like a challenge or have some DIY skills then the kit is your best bet. Prices will vary depending on what your requirements are but it is a more cost effective solution than paying professionals to install a wind turbine.

If you have the skills and want to build a wind generator from scratch then you'll find a book or website that can show you how to build one (Some websites and products even come as videos if you prefer learning that way). The materials for your generator can be purchased second hand on places like ebay if you are on a budget.

It boils down to your mechanical and electrical abilities in the end (and maybe a little canniness in locating parts). But the end result should be a home built wind generator that produces electricity.

For most people, a home built wind generator will be a useful addition to your existing energy sources, like the grid. It is unlikely it will completely power your home. More likely it will provide the power for a few appliances. Even so this will reduce your electricity bills and is just a start to your alternative energy power sources adventure.

Having a wind generator is also better for the environment and puts less reliance on dwindling fossil fuels.

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