With all the technological advancements that the world is experiencing, we have become dependent on every little thing that brings us comfort and convenience. Obviously, we can no longer live without electricity.
Thirty-seven percent (37%) of the total electric power supply in the US is generated from petroleum. It took millions of years before these petroleum sources came to be. Oil is a non-renewable source of energy and endless explorations is a sign that petroleum sources might not be enough for the demand in the near future. Good thing, we can generate electricity by harnessing the power of renewable energy sources - one of which is wind.
Wind energy has been used by ancient Egyptians for sailing, Chinese and Dutch for agriculture and Americans started using windmills for electricity since the 1800s. Technology helped us make this energy source accessible that we can install windmill generator kits in our homes. That guarantees years of savings on electricity costs and saving the environment too. We’ve shortlisted the best turbine kits to help you get started.
Best Wind Turbine Kits for Your Home
1. Windmill 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit
- ✅ FEATURES: Made for both land and marine. Integrated automatic...
- ✅ PROTECTION AGAINST: Salt water corrosion, UV protection...
- ✅ SPECIFICATION: Rated power: 400W, Rated speed: 28 mph,...
- ✅ INCLUDES: 1 x Center piece + tail (including generator +...
- ✅ WARRANTY: 1 Year manufactures warranty. wind turbine is made...
This DIY wind turbine kit offers an easy-to-install package at an affordable price. It is made with weather-resistant material Polypropylene and Glass Fiber. That makes Windmill Wind Turbine a choice for land and marine application.
This home wind turbine was also made in consideration of possible wind surges and voltage surge. It is equipped with an integrated automatic braking system and manual braking switch that will prevent overcharging of the battery.
It has a low cut-in wind speed that will allow the turbines to rotate even at a minimum wind speed of 6.7mph. This means that your turbines can still generate electricity even when the wind speed is low or inconsistent. This is also compatible with solar panel systems and can be easily connected as an alternate energy source.
What’s in the Box?
- Center piece and tail with the generator
- Built-in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- Triple blade turbine
- Manual Brake Switch
- Voltmeter Display Box
- Bolts, Nuts and Hex Key
- Operation Manual
Pros:
Cons:
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If you are looking for an entry-level residential wind turbine that is easy to set up, protect your battery from power surges and has its automatic brake system against sudden wind gust, this wind generator kit should be your top consideration. However, manage your expectations especially on its minimum cut-in wind speed. Unfortunately, it starts working at 12-14mph and not as advertised at 6.7mph.
2. Missouri Freedom II 2000-Watt Wind Turbine
- Metal components are fully hot dipped galvanized, hub is zinc...
- Raptor carbon fiber blades withstand 125 mph - Guaranteed for a...
- The permanent magnet generator has a 28 rare earth magnet rotor...
- The Missouri Freedom II Wind Turbines have a cut-in wind speed of...
- Each Freedom PMG rotor contains twice as much copper than any...
Missouri Freedom II is a wind turbine on a mission to harness wind energy even from the lowest wind speed. This all-metal wind turbine is hot dipped galvanized and will not need any rust-proofing. Its hub is also zinc plated. The blades are also made with Raptor Generation carbon fiber and the whole system can last you up to 50 years of regular use.
An 11-blade turbine might sound unusual for a wind generator, but it works well on the Missouri Freedom II. The slim blades seem to be the secret for the turbine to run even on a low wind speed of 6mph – a video footage on Youtube actually shows an anemometer measuring this. An actual test of the turbine’s output shows it can generate approximately 1000 watts with 30mph wind speed. The maximum output of this wind generator is 2000 watts.
In 2018, an improved version of the Freedom II Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) came out. It is designed with a self-tightening cam-lock washer that prevents the blades from spinning on the shaft. The Missouri Freedom II 2000-Watt Wind Turbine is built to charge 12, 24 and 48 battery banks, depending on the variant you are purchasing.
What’s in the Box?
- 11-blade turbine
- Freedom PMG Rotor
- Turbine Tail
- Mounting Bracket
- Hub-spacer
- Bolts, Nuts and Hex Key
- Operation Manual
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From the most robust winds of 125mph and the lowest speeds of 6mph, Freedom II is committed to free you from high electricity costs. The product manufacturer, with its new improvements for the 2018 release learned from the Freedom’s previous flaws. Incorporating a self-tightening cam lock washer will assure the buyers that earlier problems with the blades damaging the shaft will never happen again.
3. Ista Breeze i-2000 48V Wind Turbine Generator
- ???? Maximum power of Wind Turbine is 2200w, body metal is...
- ???? Noise of Wind Generator is 40dB, Rated power of generator is...
- ???? Blade Specification of Generator: Lenght is 107 cm, Weight...
- ???? Required mast tube of generator inner diameter: 37 mm...
- ???? Delivery: 1 piece of 2000w Wind Turbine
A good wind turbine generator should not be too heavy that it might topple nor too light that it feels flimsy. That’s precisely how Ista Breeze i-2000 was designed. Its metal body housing is made with aluminum and rotor blades are made glass fiber reinforced plastic that makes it durable yet light. The whole unit only weighs 25kgs.
The Ista Breeze i-2000 can easily generate 2000 watts of electricity at 12-14mph wind speed. It is also surprisingly quiet at 40dB despite its power and can run on low, medium and high wind speeds. If you are one of those who are worried about twisting cables, when using a wind turbine, this product assures the users it won’t happen. The power transmission goes through a slip ring that prevents wire problems.
This wind turbine has a maximized efficiency as it rotates to the direction of the wind to generate more power. Despite these capabilities, this wind generator is designed to be low maintenance.
What’s in the Box?
- 3-blade turbine
- Turbine Tail
- Operation Manual
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The Ista Breeze i-2000 is on the mid-range price point compared to the wind generator kits available in the market. The aesthetic appeal of this product also makes it appealing. Like any other wind turbines for home, it is essential to know the minimum cut-in speed of the equipment for it to work in your area efficiently.
Tumo-Int is a manufacturer of a wide range of wind turbines for home and industrial use. They offer a variety of products from 400W to 5000W energy production yield. The 1000w model was designed to work even on the lowest wind speeds with a startup of 5.6mph.
The triple blade turbine is durably made using Nylon Fiberglass material that can withstand wind speeds of up to 90mph. It also self-adjusts to the direction of the wind to capture maximum output possible. Another set of positives for this product is that it’s low-noise, low-vibration and low-maintenance.
Tumo-Int 1000w is paired with a Maximum Power Point Tracking Controller. This enables the users to remotely detect and control the generated voltage of the wind turbine.
What’s in the Box?
- 3-blade turbine
- Controller
- Nose Cone
- Bolts and Screws
- Operation Manual
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If you are in the lookout for a wind generator kit that will provide you the power to remotely view control its efficiency without too many accessories to set up, this product is the right one for you. Likewise, this is very easy to install and with the correct pole height, locations and cable connections, users can surely maximize the efficiency of the Tumo-Int 1000w.
5. GOWE 500w Wind Generator with Wind-Solar Hybrid Controller
- INCLUDES: 500w wind generator+600W controller; 2.Wind Solar...
- Electronic protection functions: Overcharge protection; Deep...
- PACKAGE: 1.1piece 500w wind generator (generator ,tail,...
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be seasonal and time-bound and there is no perfect way to maximize both than to go hybrid. Solar power can be harnessed during day time and summer while the wind blows at its highest speed at night and during rainy and winter seasons. GOW Wind Generator aims to be easily used together with a solar power setup.
This wind generator has a 3-blade and a 5-blade variant. The blades are built with carbon reinforced plastics. The wind generator's minimum cut-in speed is at 3.5mph which is really impressive. The maximum wind speed, however, is a low down at 45mph. GOWE 500w is suitable for land and marine use.
It comes with a hybrid controller that features voltage regulation and automatic voltage detection. It also prevents overcharge, deep discharge, wind turbine auto-brake and reverse current protection.
What’s in the Box?
- 3-blade or 5-blade Turbine
- Controller
- Bolts and Screws
- Operation Manual
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
A reliable hybrid-ready wind generator is a rare find. GOWE 500w Wind Generator looks really promising despite its low output compared with the earlier products. The capabilities of the controller that comes with it is also a plus factor. The only downside we see is the maximum cut-out speed that the blades can tolerate which may not go over 45mph.
How Does a Home Wind Generator Kit Work?
A home wind generator is a piece of power-generating equipment that harnesses wind energy. It has a set of blades that rotate according to the wind speed. It usually has a small computer box inside that controls the blades to maximize the generated energy based on wind direction. There are smaller gears inside the box and these gears convert wind to kinetic energy. Energy then passes through a generator which will turn it into electricity.
Factors to Consider Before Setting Up a Home Wind Turbine
1. Grid Connection
This is on top of the list because this is the most critical factor to consider. If your electrical connection is grid-connected, you are currently dependent to local power cooperatives or producers all your electrical connections are designed for this type of connection.
Switching to wind energy will require you to go off-grid and you will be solely relying on wind to provide you electricity. But there are other options like a hybrid connection which combines wind and solar energy to produce electricity and generate and store electricity from whichever source is available. Wind is best relied on during rainy season and winter. While solar is there 3 out of 4 seasons of the year.
You may still stay grid-connected while enjoying wind power but this will entail a lot of money for the electrical modifications. You can look forward to making wind energy the primary source of electricity and your grid connection as the secondary one.
Consulting your electric cooperative can help you better assess your decision to switch or combine wind generator kits to your current source. They can also provide you estimates on the rewiring and electrical components necessary. Lastly, they can guide you in applying for tax credits once you decide to pursue using wind turbines.
2. Wind Velocity and Speed
There are a lot of wind generator kits that can start up on wind speeds as little as 3mph. But let’s be honest, that’s not potent enough to actually fill a battery and support your electricity needs especially if you will solely rely on wind energy.
As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to consistently test the wind speed in your area at least a year before deciding to purchase a wind turbine for your home. You need to make sure that you will constantly have 18mph wind speed to optimize the use of your generator kit.
3. The height of the Wind Turbine
The height of the mounting pole will affect the consistency of wind that will pass through the wind turbines. Any type of obstruction will affect wind speed and prohibit efficiency. Experts say that the height of the mounting pole should be twice as high as any nearest obstruction like trees, buildings, etc.
4. Space and Zoning
Another significant consideration is the space that you have in your yard or perimeter. Wind speed varies on every location and if your house is in a vast space, there is a higher chance of you getting as much wind power as you need. It is vital to identify the best part of your property that will be exposed to the strongest wind possible.
However, space is not all there is to consider when deciding where to place your wind turbine. You also have to do your homework checking your Homeowners Association’s rules and regulations on zoning. More importantly, review local laws and that might be prohibiting wind turbine installation in your area.
5. Noise and Vibration Issues
Although every wind generator kit would promise you that theirs is a “low noise” turbine, it will still boil down to the actual noise when its running and when gusty winds pass through it. Aside from reviewing the decibel rating of these wind turbines, check out some videos of actual running noise and decide if it is something you can live with.
Likewise, there are brands which market their turbines as suitable for roof mounting. But technically speaking, this is not structurally safe for your home. The vibrations these turbines can create can compromise the strength durability of your roof, ceiling and even the walls of your home.
Benefits of Having a Wind Turbine Generator at Home
1. Save the Environment
You might probably know that 1/3 of the electric consumption in the US and possibly the world is powered by petroleum-derived electricity. Wind energy is instantly available and renewable. It just needs a little work and a little investment for it to be harnessed. But that investment can actually last you for a minimum of 15 years up to 50 years if the components are properly maintained and used under normal conditions.
Shying away from petroleum use can prevent digging oil drilling in land and in the sea that disturbs the natural habitat of animals and pollutes the sea and the air. Using wind turbines will not require gas or coal and will not be harmful to the environment.
2. Save on Electricity Cost
You must be wondering if the investment for a wind generator kit and its installation would actually be worth it when you sum up all the savings that the manufacturers promise you. Your local electric cooperative will be able to help you with this comparison. Switching will not only let you save on electricity cost for a year or so. This will go on as long as your wind turbine stands and rotates.
3. Enjoy Tax Credits
Aside from savings on electricity cost, another benefit of switching to wind turbines is the tax credit you can enjoy for using an alternative source of energy. Same perks apply to those who use solar. As for the computation of tax credits, your local tax office can provide you with the tax bracket depending on your dependence on an alternative source of electricity.
Final thoughts:
No doubt turning in to wind energy can be most beneficial for the consumers considering the savings on electricity and the tax credits you can enjoy from it. The decision to entirely or partially switch will rely on the factors that we have presented like the wind speed, zoning restrictions and the type of connection that you have. It will take a lot of research and comparison, but we are hoping that this article was able to help you jumpstart that decision-making process by presenting the best windmill generator kits and how each one can make choosing wind power a breeze!
