How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Installing DIY Wind Turbines

Introduction

With climate change becoming an ever more pressing issue, many people are looking for ways to reduce their personal carbon footprint. One impactful way to do this is by generating your own renewable energy at home. Installing small-scale wind turbines is a DIY project that allows you to harness wind energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through everything you need to know about installing DIY wind turbines to cut your home's carbon emissions. We'll cover how small wind turbines work, ideal siting conditions, required materials and tools, permits and policies, turbine options, installation instructions, maintenance, costs and savings, and safety considerations.

How Do Small Wind Turbines Work?

Wind turbines operate on a simple principle - the kinetic energy from wind causes the turbine blades to spin, which turns a generator to produce electricity. The key components include:

• Rotor blades - The aerodynamic blades that catch the wind. Most DIY models have 2 or 3 blades.

• Generator - Converts the rotational motion into electrical energy. Can be permanent magnet alternators, direct drive generators, or gearbox generators.

• Tower - Raises the turbine to greater wind speeds at higher altitudes. DIY towers are often made from metal or wood.

• Batteries - Store the generated electricity for use when the wind is not blowing.

• Inverter - Converts the turbine's direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) used by home appliances.

• Controller - Monitors and optimizes the turbine's performance.

Siting Considerations for Small Wind Turbines

Proper siting is crucial for maximizing power generation. Ideal conditions for DIY wind turbines include:

• Wind speeds - Consistent annual average speeds of at least 10 mph are recommended at hub height. Higher wind speeds produce exponentially more power.

• Turbulence - Avoid turbulent wake areas behind buildings, trees etc. that hamper smooth wind flow.

• Obstacles - Position away from obstructions like trees or buildings that could block wind. The rule of thumb is a clear distance of 3-5 times the height of the tower.

• Access - Choose a site with room for delivery and installation of components, as well as future access for maintenance.

• Soil conditions - For concrete tower foundations, avoid poor load-bearing soils like clay or loose fill.

• Exposure - If your property has multiple possible sites, install where prevailing winds hit first for optimal exposure.

• Zoning laws - Consider setback requirements from property lines or height limits for structures.

DIY Wind Turbine System Components

A complete DIY wind turbine system requires the following main components:

Turbine Kit

This includes the blades, generator or alternator, nose cone, and tail. Look for reputable brands designed for home use like Southwest Windpower or Primus Wind Power. Consider the start-up wind speed, power output, and sound ratings.

Tower

This raises the turbine to tap faster wind speeds. Options include guyed lattice towers up to 120 feet, or self-supporting towers around 30 feet for DIY installation. Match to your property and turbine size.

Batteries

Deep cycle batteries like absorbent glass mat batteries store excess power for use when the wind is not blowing. You need sufficient capacity for 1-3 days of backup.

Inverter

Grid-tie inverters feed the power into your home wiring to run appliances, while off-grid inverters connect to batteries. Select a true sine wave inverter with at least 3-5 times your turbine's rated capacity.

Controller

The controller monitors turbine performance and prevents damage from overcharging batteries. It can autostart the turbine at set wind speeds.

Wiring and Safety Equipment

Copper wiring, disconnect switches, grounding rods, and lighting protection are critical safety components.

Permits and Zoning for Wind Turbines

Check if your municipal zoning laws allow wind turbines in your area. Many have restrictions on maximum height and setback distances from property lines. Also consult your homeowners association if applicable.

Small turbines for home use often do not require permits, while larger installations may need special use permits. Always check with your local planning office first. They can advise on any noise or setback ordinances.

Selecting the Right Wind Turbine

When selecting your turbine model, key factors to consider include:

• Rated power - Consider your home's electricity requirements and battery capacity needed. Power output ranges from 400W to 10kW for DIY models.

• Start-up wind speed - The minimum speed the turbine starts generating power, ideally as low as 8-12 mph.

• Rated wind speed - The minimum wind speed at which it achieves the rated power output. Look for ratings around 25 mph.

• Blade diameter - Larger rotors capture more wind, but consider height restrictions. 8-12 foot diameters are common.

• Voltage output - Match your battery bank and inverter system - often 12, 24 or 48V.

• Safety certifications - Look for UL, IEEE, CSA or other certifications for quality assurance.

Skystream 3.7 and Southwest Windpower AIR 403 are good examples of robust, beginner-friendly DIY wind turbine models.

Installing a DIY Wind Turbine

Once you have assembled all the components, it's time for installation. Follow this process:

Step 1 - Turbine Assembly

1. Assemble the blades, hub, nose cone, generator, tail and wiring according to the manufacturer instructions.

Step 2 - Construct the Tower Foundation

1. Dig a hole 3-4 feet deep and at least 2 feet wider than the planned foundation diameter.
2. Fill with 6-8 inches of gravel for drainage.
3. Build formwork for the concrete and anchor the tower base flange.
4. Pour concrete into the formwork and allow to fully cure for several days.

Step 3 - Install the Turbine Tower

1. Use a gin pole or guide wires to stand up the tower sections. Secure with bolts.
2. Place the turbine head assembly on top and tighten all bolts securely.

Step 4 - Attach Wiring and Batteries

1. Run copper wiring from the turbine down the tower into your control room or shed.
2. Connect to the charge controller, inverter, battery bank, and home electrical system according to the manufacturers' specifications.

Step 5 - Ground the System Properly

1. Drive grounding rods into the soil near the turbines and bond to the frameworks.
2. Install proper lightning protection and surge protection equipment.

Once installed, your DIY wind turbine will be ready to start reducing your carbon footprint!

Maintenance for Small Wind Turbines

Routine maintenance keeps your wind turbine performing efficiently for years:

• Inspect bolts, electrical connections, and moving parts twice yearly and tighten if needed.
• Check blade surfaces for damage and clean off any debris.
• Lubricate generator and yaw bearings every 6 months.
• Check batteries and refill distilled water as needed.
• Wipe off dirt buildup on sensors.
• Monitor performance metrics and troubleshoot any drops in output.

Most wind turbine manufacturers recommend professional servicing after 2-5 years of operation. Neglecting maintenance can lead to potentially dangerous failures.

Cost of DIY Wind Turbines

Installing home wind turbines requires a significant up-front investment of around $3,000 to $8,000 on average for a complete system. However, you can recoup costs fairly quickly through energy savings, as well as possible tax credits or incentives.

Main expenses include the turbine kit, tower, batteries, inverter, wire, and accessories. Labor and permitting costs can also add significantly if you hire professional installation.

DIY installation with a smaller turbine and shorter tower can reduce the total costs into the $3,000 range.

Savings from Wind Turbine Energy Production

Once installed, a home wind turbine will generate free renewable electricity for decades. Although output depends on wind resources, you can potentially offset 30-100% of your electricity bill.

To determine potential savings:

• Estimate your turbine's annual kWh production using the manufacturer's power curve.
• Multiply by your local electricity rate to get annual savings in dollars.
• Factor in the capital cost and any maintenance costs.

Many turbines start paying for themselves within 10 years through electricity savings. And you benefit from zero-emissions power and energy security when installed off-grid.

Safety Precautions for DIY Wind Turbines

Although small wind turbines are generally quite safe, always take proper safety precautions:

• Keep a safe distance from the turbine when the blades are spinning. The rule of thumb is at least blade length x 2.
• Shut off and lock out power before any repairs.
• Do not install turbines near power lines or air traffic zones.
• Use guy wires to secure the tower if needed.
• Install good lightning protection, surge protectors, and a grounded system.
• Clear debris, ice buildup, and bird nests regularly.
• Educate children about turbine safety if you have any onsite.
• Post signs to alert visitors to the turbine presence.

Exercising common sense and following the manufacturer's guidance will keep your wind turbine operating safely for years.

Conclusion

Installing DIY wind turbines is an empowering way for homeowners to reduce their environmental impact by generating clean, renewable electricity. With proper siting and setup, small wind turbines can offset a significant portion of your home's power needs. Plus you'll benefit from energy independence and lower utility bills over time. As more people adopt local wind power, collectively we can make a real dent in carbon emissions.