7 replies to this topic

[Alli]

Is it possible to make a wind power generator for my home? Are there any good resources for doing this or is it completely impractical?

[Germs]

I don't have any experience on the matter but if anyone else does, i would certainly like to try this out myself.

I imagine it would be very difficult and impractical, but i think it would be worth a try.

[SpiroFlo]

I saw something on LinkedIn about a guy who made a household system that puts little turbines on your roof.

[kat74]

That would be wonderful, I would love to do away with hydro power and use a more friendly kind of energy. I know its just a matter of time before one invents or comes up with one small enough and practical for house hold use. Nothing is impossible only that God has a plan and season for everything.

[steph84]

I'm sure that people are doing it and probably posting how-to manuals on the web. I watched a TED talk about how people are now compiling how-to manuals so that they can share information on engergy efficient tools and resources. Most of these people are making their own tools for significantly less than it would cost to hire someone to make it for you. Search around on Youtube and you might find a how-to video! This would be amazing if you lived in a really windy area.

[still learning]

Alli, on 28 October 2011 - 04:54 AM, said:

Is it possible to make a wind power generator for my home? Are there any good resources for doing this or is it completely impractical?

It is done.
It's done by people who are handy with tools and familiar with electrical work and like to tinker with things.
You can find online alternative energy forums that might be helpful.

There are outfits that sell kits.  My understanding is that those are usually disappointing.  Turns out that the actual "wind resource" that most people have at home isn't really that much and a small turbine located on a rooftop doesn't generate much electricity anyway even when the wind is blowing.
I can remember reading of a home windpower company here in California being prosecuted for fraud, didn't deliver anything like what was advertised, state involved because of the subsidy.

Impractical?  Probably so for most people.

[marale60]

The problem really is that wind power is the least efficient alternative energy, most expensive to set up, and least reliable alternative energy source. The conversion rate of windpower (amount of energy gathered) is lower than hydro and solar. So much is lost, if you don't believe me ask anyone who is into physics. You will never see wind turbines on individual homes and large windfarms are a bird-killing eyesore. Better to rely on solar.

[SpiroFlo]

marale60, on 23 November 2011 - 11:04 AM, said:

You will never see wind turbines on individual homes and large windfarms are a bird-killing eyesore. Better to rely on solar.

This part isn't true -- there are mini turbines right now on individual homes. Can't say anything regarding their effectiveness, mind you, but it certainly isn't a "never" area.