| As energy costs increase, people are looking towards | | | | the major turbine components. These advances have |
| alternative energy to reduce their electric bills. Wind | | | | included reducing the number of moving parts, |
| energy is growing in popularity, and wind turbines are | | | | resulting in very reliable and effective generator |
| shrinking in size and cost, making affordable wind | | | | designs. Today, wind turbines are an essential part of |
| power a realistic option for many homeowners. Can | | | | a reliable renewable energy system. |
| you power your home using electricity generated | | | | Basically, a wind generator is an alternator attached |
| from the wind? Absolutely, if you have the space | | | | to a propeller. When the wind blows, the propeller |
| and the resources, home wind turbines can generate | | | | turns, and the alternator begins producing electricity. |
| enough free electricity to significantly decrease your | | | | The design details that determine which turbines are |
| power bill. | | | | best suited for various wind conditions can become |
| Home wind turbines are now being used by more | | | | more involved, but all wind turbines operate in |
| households, and are becoming more popular in | | | | basically the same manner. The generator is the |
| providing a cheaper source of power. If you live in | | | | heart of any wind turbine. It converts the power of |
| open and windy areas, you can generate enough | | | | the wind to electrical power that can be used. |
| energy through home wind power to completely | | | | Typically, this task is accomplished by a permanent |
| remove your dependency on the electrical grid. If | | | | magnet dc motor. |
| installed correctly, home windmills provide a | | | | If you are planning on building a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) |
| continuous and cost effective source of clean | | | | home wind turbine, you will be much further ahead if |
| energy. | | | | you thoroughly research each of the individual |
| With good, consistent wind flow, wind energy is one | | | | components involved. Being aware of any potential |
| of the most economical forms of alternative energy | | | | issues before you start your build will save you not |
| available today. If your wind flow varies, wind | | | | only time and money, but more importantly |
| turbines can still be a viable addition to a | | | | frustration that could derail your plans. If DIY wind |
| solar-powered system, providing more consistent | | | | turbines are not for you, then consider one of the |
| year-round power. Advances in wind generator | | | | over 200 models that are available online. |
| technology have resulted in improved efficiency of | | | | |