Wind power sounds like a dream. You just put a wind powered generator in your backyard and no more power bills. Your home stereo will no longer cause global warming. Of course, the initial cost can be a shocker. It can cost a lot to get free power. The upfront cost of a commercial system can be a heavy hit. The cheapest but not the easiest route is to build it yourself. Lots of people have built their own systems but can you?
First,look at the location you are going to install the wind generator. You need an average, steady wind speed of over eight miles per hour. You will need a tower to put the generator about twenty feet above the obstacles on the ground. The good news is that the wind becomes more constant higher off the ground. The bad news is that a higher tower needs more land under it for safety. Should it fall you need enough area to keep it from damaging your house or the neighbor's. The rule of thumb is a tower of 65 feet needs about an acre and if it's 80 feet you need five acres. You will have to do some research on the local wind patterns and local laws. Your community may have restrictions on how tall wind towers can be built. If you have any questions you may need to find a local expert to evaluate your property and explain any legal restrictions. If you want to use the wind, your area will have to have both the wind resource and the ability to build a tower.
Second, look at your skills with tools. What have you built by yourself? If you never worked on anything large you may need to hire outside help. Of course, the good news is that you can improve those skills if you really want to. You might find it easier to just be one of the help for an experienced contractor.
Third, look at the budget you have for this project. Having more up front money allows you to buy more assembled units and more complex gadgets. If your funds are limited you are going to have to scrounge more and spend more effort building things yourself. This won't stop you, but more money means less effort on your part.
Forth, look at the number and quality of skilled experts and training you have access to. Having local people who understand both the area and the equipment can be very helpful. If they are not available you can always research the information yourself. Books and on-line courses can cover for hands on experts. Even if you decide to bring in experts, you will need the background to intelligently discuss the options.
Fifth, look at your feelings and ask yourself the real question. That question is 'Do I really want to put this together myself?'. You may just want to have someone install it. That's OK but you need to know this before the truck delivers a 50 foot tower to your front yard. However, don't make this decision without first looking at the books and other information. You can't decide intelligently until you understand what building it entails. Then you can make a knowledgeable decision. Even if you decide to go with an expert installed commercial system, you will understand what you are buying and avoid being sold on things you don't need.
First,look at the location you are going to install the wind generator. You need an average, steady wind speed of over eight miles per hour. You will need a tower to put the generator about twenty feet above the obstacles on the ground. The good news is that the wind becomes more constant higher off the ground. The bad news is that a higher tower needs more land under it for safety. Should it fall you need enough area to keep it from damaging your house or the neighbor's. The rule of thumb is a tower of 65 feet needs about an acre and if it's 80 feet you need five acres. You will have to do some research on the local wind patterns and local laws. Your community may have restrictions on how tall wind towers can be built. If you have any questions you may need to find a local expert to evaluate your property and explain any legal restrictions. If you want to use the wind, your area will have to have both the wind resource and the ability to build a tower.
Second, look at your skills with tools. What have you built by yourself? If you never worked on anything large you may need to hire outside help. Of course, the good news is that you can improve those skills if you really want to. You might find it easier to just be one of the help for an experienced contractor.
Third, look at the budget you have for this project. Having more up front money allows you to buy more assembled units and more complex gadgets. If your funds are limited you are going to have to scrounge more and spend more effort building things yourself. This won't stop you, but more money means less effort on your part.
Forth, look at the number and quality of skilled experts and training you have access to. Having local people who understand both the area and the equipment can be very helpful. If they are not available you can always research the information yourself. Books and on-line courses can cover for hands on experts. Even if you decide to bring in experts, you will need the background to intelligently discuss the options.
Fifth, look at your feelings and ask yourself the real question. That question is 'Do I really want to put this together myself?'. You may just want to have someone install it. That's OK but you need to know this before the truck delivers a 50 foot tower to your front yard. However, don't make this decision without first looking at the books and other information. You can't decide intelligently until you understand what building it entails. Then you can make a knowledgeable decision. Even if you decide to go with an expert installed commercial system, you will understand what you are buying and avoid being sold on things you don't need.
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