Installing a small-scale wind turbine on your property can reduce your electricity bills while also lowering your carbon footprint. With careful planning and preparation, installing your own wind turbine is an achievable project for a homeowner with some DIY experience. This in-depth guide will walk you through everything I need to know to successfully install a small wind turbine that can provide clean, renewable energy to my home.
Selecting the Right Location
Choosing the optimal location is the most important factor in maximizing your wind turbine's energy production. Here are the key considerations when selecting a turbine site:
-
Wind speeds - Look for an elevated, open site with consistent annual wind speeds of at least 10 mph. Use an anemometer for at least 1 year to measure wind speeds and determine the turbine's potential energy output.
-
Local zoning laws - Verify that small wind turbines are permitted in your area and obtain any necessary permits. Many jurisdictions limit turbine height and noise levels.
-
Proximity to home - Locate the turbine as close as possible to where the electricity will be used to minimize transmission losses. Most small turbines need to be within 300 feet of the electrical interconnection point.
-
Obstructions - Avoid locations with obstacles like trees or buildings that create turbulence and reduce wind speeds. The turbine needs unobstructed wind from all directions.
-
Accessibility - Choose a site that allows trucks and large equipment to access for delivery and installation of the wind turbine components.
Purchasing the Right Wind Turbine
Once you've identified the perfect site, it's time to select the right turbine model. Here are the key factors to consider:
-
Rated power output - Match the turbine capacity to your site's wind resource and your home's electricity needs. Most small turbines range from 1 to 100 kilowatts.
-
Tower height - Taller towers access faster wind speeds, boosting output. But they're more expensive to install. Choose the tallest tower your budget allows.
-
Sound rating - Ensure the turbine's noise falls within your local sound ordinances, usually less than 55 decibels.
-
Reputation of manufacturer - Choose an established brand with proven reliability and responsive customer service. Get references from other customers.
-
Certification - Select a turbine certified by the Small Wind Certification Council to meet rigorous durability, safety and power standards.
-
Warranty - Look for a minimum 5-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects and fatigue failures.
Installing the Wind Turbine Foundation
The foundation supports the entire weight and forces of the wind turbine and must be incredibly robust. For small turbines, foundations are usually concrete pads:
-
Dig a 3-4 foot deep hole with the dimensions specified by the manufacturer. Make sure the soil is firm and undisturbed.
-
Pour a reinforced concrete pad, using the diagram from the turbine manufacturer. Steel rebar grid reinforcement is vital.
-
Allow the concrete to cure for a minimum of 1 week before installing the turbine tower. The pad must fully settle.
-
Carefully check that the finished pad is perfectly level. Use shims to fine-tune if necessary.
-
Ensure there are anchor bolt patterns embedded in the concrete per the manufacturer's specifications.
A proper foundation prevents the turbine tower from shifting and twisting, which can cause catastrophic failures. Do not rush this vital component.
Assembling and Lifting the Turbine
Once the foundation has cured, it's time to install the wind turbine tower and components:
-
Assemble tower sections, nacelle, hub, blades according to manufacturer's instructions. Use proper bolts and torques.
-
Carefully lift tower and rotor into place with gin pole or crane designed for weight of turbine. Do not stand under suspended loads.
-
Have helpers guide tower base onto foundation anchor bolts. Use shim plates if necessary until fully seated.
-
Tighten anchor bolts incrementally to specified torque, double-checking they are properly secured.
-
Install guy wires if included, anchored well away from base. Adjust tension carefully.
-
Attach blades to hub one at a time. Do not overtighten bolts.
-
Double check all bolts, wires and components are properly torqued before continuing.
Work slowly and deliberately when lifting and assembling turbine components. Rushing increases the risk of damaging the equipment or personal injuries.
Connecting to Electrical System
Connecting your wind turbine to your home's electrical system in a safe, code-compliant manner is critical:
-
Run electrical cable in buried conduit from turbine tower base to your breaker panel. Avoid multiple connections.
-
Install a safety disconnect switch adjacent to breaker panel to isolate the turbine when necessary.
-
Attach to a dedicated breaker in your load center designed for the turbine's output capacity.
-
Ground the system properly according to electrical code. This eliminates shock risk.
-
Adjust grid-connected inverters to the optimal settings. Stand-alone systems may incorporate batteries.
-
Have a licensed electrician inspect all wind turbine electrical connections and sign off on the permitting.
Improper electrical installation can damage equipment or cause lethal electric shocks. Always hire a certified professional.
With proper electrical connections, your wind turbine can seamlessly integrate with your home's electrical system.
Performing Regular Turbine Maintenance
To keep your wind turbine running smoothly for decades, perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's schedule:
-
Inspect guy wires and anchor points for proper tension and signs of corrosion. Adjust or replace as needed.
-
Check all electrical connections for damage, replacing any degraded wires or insulation.
-
Torque all rotor hub and blade bolts to spec after the first week of operation.
-
Replace worn leading edge tape on blades when cracks become visible.
-
Lubricate turbine yaw bearing and other grease points annually.
-
Inspect gearbox oil every 2-3 years, changing when dirty.
-
Immediately address any new vibrations, sounds or performance changes, which indicate a problem.
Don't neglect maintenance tasks. Addressing small issues quickly prevents expensive component failures down the road.
With proper site selection, design, installation and maintenance, a home wind turbine can provide clean energy and lower bills for decades. Let me know if you have any other questions about how to install your own small wind turbine!