WindPowerI've recently done some research about producing energy for homes that are off the grid and the first way I've come across is through wind turbines. These are fairly inexpensive to make, fairly easy (if you are at all handy and tool inclined, or know someone who is) and they work pretty consistently if you live in a windy area. Because the UK is the windiest country in Europe I thought I'd start with this one. For those of you living in cities this is probably not a viable option. Not only would you have to mount your turbine on a fairly high pole to get above the trees and houses that block and divert wind in a city, but they can be noisy and are considered an eye-sore to most people. So neighbors will likely complain. For those of you who live in the country however, with a nice piece of land, hopefully with a hill of sorts, well read on! Note: I haven't at all attempted to make one of these for myself yet. Currently my husband and I are located in a city, which makes a turbine impossible. But we are compiling research for future plans and will most likely include a wind turbine in our plans. Here is a fact sheet that sort of gives an overview of wind turbines with links to the Centre for Alternative Technology. I found the Centre's site to be a bit difficult to navigate and you have to pay for most information in the form of books that they offer through their site. But the fact sheet gives you a good introduction to all things wind powered: http://www.bwea.com/you/byo.html The best and most practical information I found with really good photos and plans can be found here: http://www.mdpub.com/Wind_Turbine/index.html Unlike me, Mike has actually built a working turbine on his property in Arizona and his directions and suggestions are extremely helpful in my opinion. This site gives steps for how to make your own turbine blades using PVC pipe: http://www.yourgreendream.com/diy_pvc_blades.php This site gives you a tour of building a wind turbine, but the instructions are thin and though the pictures are great, I found it a bit daunting. Still if you are more mechanically inclined than I this could be helpful: http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-1000-watt-wind-turbine/ There are also about a hundred different articles that will walk you through basics as well as sites that sell "kits" that you can buy, though I have no recommendations for which are legitimate or not. If anyone has anymore information or has experience with turbines please feel free to add on! US info (sorry haven't done research on other countries yet) re: wind resource maps and other program resources: http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/ For solar as well as other green power incentives both federal and state: They also have a good search engine for specific questions: http://www.dsireusa.org/searchby/searchtechnology.cfm?&CurrentPageID=2&EE=1&RE=1 However, many of the incentives are based on state or utility-specific requirements, often geared to limit off-grid installations for various reasons. That doesn't mean you can't do it; it just means you won't get as good of a rebate as an on-grid installation, for instance. |