Build Your Own Windmill

Buying a prefabricated windmill can easily cost you anywhere from $12,000 to $30,000, so does it make sense to build your own windmill? Is there a SAFE way to go about it? Are there good instructions for making a windmill available online?

Luckily, a DIY windmill is very easy and straightforward, and there are plenty of people who claim to have done it for less than $200. This will not be as big or grand as the manufactured variety, but you will be able to make really significant savings on your utility bills.

Before setting out on this project you should research the following about the intended site:

Average wind speed
Building Codes
Available space
Next-door neighbors
Windmill size
Need for batteries

These are some of the reasons why it is often best to seek advice from windmill experts when planning to make your own electricity, and we examine these in greater detail below.

Click here for plans to build your own windmill

Once you have done this research you will be in a good position to select the right plans for a homemade windmill, and these need to include comprehensive lists of materials and clear assembly instructions.

Looking at the planning research in more detail, these are the main points you need to address:

• Average wind speed. In spite of what others might say, windmills do not operate very well in average winds under 10 mph. The US Government has made available detailed wind resource maps, which are worth checking for the expected wind power in your area before erecting a windmill.

• Building Codes. Check these to see if windmills are allowed in your area. Usually small ones will be acceptable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Available space. A small windmill will need about half an acre.

• Next-door neighbors. Consult neighbors first about your ideas, and prepare to overcome any prejudices about possible noise, TV interference and so on.

• Windmill size. No point in making a huge windmill that will generate more electricity than you need. The utility company does not have to buy any surplus from you, only offset against your grid consumption.

• Need for batteries. If you want some independence from the grid you will need to include storage batteries. It is possible to get these for nothing if you know where to look. Or simply use your windmill to reduce your grid consumption.

So what do you have to do to make a diy windmill?

A small windmill is very straightforward to assemble, and comprises only a few components. Typically these are:

• A propeller (usually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)
• A DC motor
• A fantail
• A mounting shaft to which these are fitted
• A mounting pole
• Probably an inverter (to convert DC to AC)
• Storage batteries

With some electrical wiring and a few fasteners you will have everything needed to make your own windmill. Almost certainly you will have many of these items in your shed but, even if you have to buy everything, you will find it possible to get all required items for under $200. Putting them together and installing the turbine on your site can be done in a weekend.

There are some very good how-to-make-a-windmill guides on the internet, and I have examined most of these windmill plans for clarity, practicality, safety and value for money.

This review of the top instructions for making a windmill gives a good overview but the best overall package for building a windmill, in my opinion, is the Earth4Energy product. This comprehensive manual and planning kit give you clear, step-by-step instructions and diagrams so that you literally can’t go wrong.

It also includes clear advice on the various factors outlined above when planning to build a windmill. Highly recommended.

Good luck, enjoy this diy windmill project and bask in the satisfaction that free power brings you!

Click here to build your own windmill