Installing Small Wind Turbines for Home Use

Installing a small wind turbine at your home can be a great way to harness wind energy and generate your own clean electricity. This guide will walk you through the key steps for safely and successfully installing wind turbines for private households.

Why Consider Home Wind Power?

Generating your own electricity from wind has several benefits:

Reduce electricity bills – Any power produced from your wind turbine reduces the amount you need to buy from the grid. This can lower your bills, providing long-term savings.
Increase energy independence – Producing your own renewable electricity gives you greater control over your energy supply and reduces reliance on utility companies.
Lower environmental impact – Wind energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. It’s a clean, renewable way to meet your household needs.
Tax credits and incentives – Many federal and local programs provide tax breaks or other incentives for installing renewable energy systems like small wind turbines.

With proper siting, system sizing, installation, and maintenance, a residential wind turbine can be an excellent energy solution.

Key Facts on Small Wind Turbines

Before installing your wind system, it’s important to understand some key facts:

How wind turbines work – Turbines use blades to capture the wind’s kinetic energy, converting it into rotational energy to spin a generator and produce electricity.
Types of turbines – Horizontal axis and vertical axis are the two main turbine configurations. Horizontal axis turbines are most common for residential use.
Suitable wind speeds – Most small wind turbines require average annual wind speeds of at least 10 mph (4.5 m/s) to generate enough energy to be worthwhile.
Turbine sizing – The turbine must be matched to your electricity needs and local wind resource. Most residential turbines range from 1 to 100 kW.
Height requirements – Wind speed increases with height. A turbine needs to be mounted high enough to access stronger winds, usually on a tower 20-140 ft (6-43 m) tall.
Sound considerations – While modern turbines are quieter, all will produce some sound. This should be evaluated based on proximity to neighbors.
Aesthetics – Visually, wind turbines will change your home’s look. Local regulations may cover visual impact.

With a clear understanding of these factors, you can determine if wind power is feasible for your property.

Selecting the Right Location

Choosing an appropriate location is critical for maximizing turbine performance and energy production. Consider these factors:

Wind Resource Assessment

Consult wind maps to estimate your wind speeds. The U.S. Department of Energy provides detailed wind resource maps at https://windexchange.energy.gov/wind-resource-maps.
Look for annual average wind speeds of at least 10 mph at potential turbine hub heights. Higher is preferable.
If possible, measure wind speeds on-site for a year with an anemometer installed at the proposed turbine height. This will provide the most accurate data.
Consider future obstructions like trees or buildings that could reduce wind flow.

Site Selection

Pick a site with:

Unobstructed wind access to maximize airflow to the turbine. Avoid wind shadows from buildings or trees.
Distance from turbulent wakes caused by nearby obstacles. Place upwind of disruptions and at least 2 times their height.
Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for easier grid connection.
Firm, compacted ground such as concrete that can support the turbine foundation and withstand vibration.
Visibility from your home to allow monitoring.

With good siting for clean wind access, you can optimize your turbine’s power production.

Choosing the Right Wind Turbine

Once you have confirmed a viable wind resource, select a suitable turbine model. Consider:

Turbine Type

Horizontal axis turbines have the most installations worldwide and are proven performers for residential settings.
Vertical axis turbines handle turbulent winds well. However, energy output is typically 30-40% less than an equivalently sized horizontal axis turbine.

Rated Power

Select a turbine sized for your property based on your average electricity consumption. Most homes use turbines in the range of 5-10 kW.
To determine the right size, first calculate your average daily kilowatt-hour usage. Then scale up turbine size to produce 130-150% of this to ensure adequate surplus generation.
Larger turbines can serve higher electrical loads but are also more expensive.

Height

Match the turbine height to estimated wind speeds. Use wind maps and on-site data.
Standard heights are 50-80 feet for small residential turbines. Higher heights access faster winds but require stronger towers.
Consider the aesthetic impact and visibility from neighbors.

Sound Rating

Review sound output ratings in decibels and choose a quieter turbine if noise is a concern.
Make sure the model meets local noise regulations. Sound can carry further at night.
Consider proximity to neighbors and sensitive animal habitats when siting to mitigate noise impacts.

Reputable Manufacturers

Select established, reputable brands known for quality and safety. Some examples are Bergey, Gaia, Northern Power Systems, and Wind Energy Solutions.
Look for turbines certified to national standards like AWEA or IEC. This indicates safety testing.
Compare warranties carefully. Many manufacturers offer 5, 10 or 20 year warranties.

With research into the proper specifications, you’ll be able to select the ideal wind turbine model for your needs and conditions.

Safety Considerations

Safety should be the top priority when installing and operating a wind turbine. Key precautions include:

Electrical Safety

Only connect the turbine to your utility grid after receiving approval, as this can endanger workers. Use a qualified electrician.
For off-grid systems, safely size batteries and charge controllers to store excess power.
Ground the system properly against lightning according to national electrical codes. Use surge arrestors.

Fall Hazards

Construct a sturdy, reinforced tower that can withstand wind loads and prevent collapse.
Securely anchor guy wires if using a guyed monopole tower. Maintain proper tension.
Only climb the tower with proper fall arrest equipment like a harness and lanyard. Stay connected at all times.
Restrict access to the tower base to prevent unauthorized climbing. Install locks. Post warning signs.

Mechanical Hazards

Keep body parts and objects clear of moving rotor blades.exercise caution near the high-speed turbine.
Shut down and lock out power to the turbine before any maintenance work. Wait for all motion to stop.
Replace damaged wiring, broken turbine parts, or other components that could fail in high winds.

Fire Hazards

Regularly remove any vegetation or combustible debris around the turbine that could catch fire from a lightning strike.
Ensure electrical connections are properly sized and secure to prevent arcing which could spark a fire.

By identifying and mitigating all potential hazards, you can install your wind turbine safely.

DIY Installation vs Professional Help

Installing your own wind turbine is manageable with ample research and preparation. But hiring professional assistance can simplify the process and provide expertise.

Do-It-Yourself Pros:

Significant cost savings on labor expenses
Independence and the satisfaction of installing your own system
Ability to learn hands-on about wind energy

Do-It-Yourself Cons:

Intensive learning curve if you lack experience
Increased likelihood of mistakes or safety risks
Difficult and dangerous work, especially at height on the tower
May void warranties if not installed per manufacturer specifications

Professional Installation Pros:

Ensure proper, code-compliant installation and safety
Access to special equipment like cranes for lifting and placing the tower/turbine
Licensed electricians to connect to the grid
Certified experts who understand intricate system engineering
Maintain turbine/manufacturer warranties

Professional Cons:

Higher upfront installation costs, though may pay off long-term in performance.
Less independence and opportunity to learn the technology yourself

Carefully weigh these factors along with your DIY experience. For many homeowners, hiring an installation company can provide greater safety, performance, and peace of mind.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Before installing a wind turbine, be sure to follow relevant legal requirements and seek proper approval where needed:

Permits

Most jurisdictions require permits to construct and operate small wind turbines. Research local county and municipal ordinances.
Common permits include building, electrical, construction, zoning/land use, and mechanical.
The permitting process ensures your turbine complies with building codes and safety standards.

Joint Ownership

If you live in a homeowner association or co-op, get written HOA approval first per association guidelines.

Zoning Laws

Your area may restrict wind turbines based on factors like tower height, property setbacks, design, and noise limits.
Seek variances or conditional use permits if needed to override zoning rules. Demonstrate minimal nuisance or impact on neighbors.

Covenants and Easements

Ensure your turbine installation does not violate neighborhood covenants or easements regarding view shed, noise, etc.

Grid Interconnection

Contact your utility early in the process to apply for interconnection permission and technical review before connecting to the grid.

By obtaining proper approvals, you ensure compliance, avoid legal issues, and gain community support for your turbine project.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Once you complete all planning, preparation, and permitting, it’s time to install your wind system. Follow these key steps:

Turbine Assembly

Carefully assemble the turbine components like blades, rotor, tail according to manufacturer guidelines.
Use proper tools and lifting equipment designed for the weights involved.
Securely tighten all bolts and parts while avoiding damage.

Foundation Preparation

Dig turbine anchor bolt holes per design specifications, with proper diameter and depth.
Pour concrete foundation with anchor bolts in place at precise positions. Allow full curing time.
Ensure foundation is level, plumb, square, and structurally sound.

Tower Installation

Assemble tower sections using manufacturer instructions. Tighten all bolts.
Hoist tower into place with crane and secure base attachment/anchor bolts.
Install aircraft warning lights as required by FAA regulations.

Turbine Mounting

Use rigging to safely lift assembled turbine and attach to top of tower.
Alternately, install turbine components piecemeal as you erect each tower segment.
Verify all mountings are properly torqued for stability in winds.

Electrical Connections

Run underground power cables in buried conduit from the tower base to your interconnection point.
For grid-tied systems, the utility will complete connections to the grid.
For off-grid systems, install charge controllers and complete battery bank wiring.

Commissioning and Testing

Install monitoring equipment like wind speed/direction sensors.
Test brake and shutdown functionalities for electrical or manual stops.
Commission turbine without blades first to verify electrical operation.
Attach blades and test startup, shutdown, braking, and full speed rotation with load.

With proper process and safety procedures, your turbine will be operational in no time. Now you can start generating your own wind energy!

Ongoing Turbine Maintenance

To keep your wind turbine performing optimally for years to come, follow these maintenance best practices:

Inspect the structural integrity of the tower annually. Check for corrosion at anchor points or loose bolts.
Check guy wire tension on guyed towers twice a year. Adjust as needed.
Lubricate turbine yaw drive, bearings, and other moving components every six months.
Inspect blades and replace any protective coatings as required.
Clear debris and vegetation around the tower base and access paths to prevent fire risk.
Verify electrical connections remain securely enclosed and undamaged. Check for cable wear.
Periodically clean turbine rotors, sensors, and weatherproof housings.
Monitor performance data regularly for any decrease in power output signalling potential component failures.
Establish a preventative maintenance schedule for motor brushes, pumps, batteries and other parts per manufacturer specifications.
Repair any issues with moving parts, bolts, housings, electrical components, or other damage immediately to prevent larger failures.

With regular upkeep and care, your wind turbine will provide clean, renewable energy to your household for decades. Enjoy the benefits of harnessing your own electricity from the wind!

Conclusion

Installing a residential wind turbine is an involved but rewarding project. With proper siting, planning, turbine selection, and installation, you can successfully generate your own clean electricity from a renewable resource. By following safety precautions and seeking expert help as needed, your wind turbine can provide power to your home for years of energy independence and environmental benefit. If you’re considering wind energy, we encourage you to explore the helpful resources on our website as you embark on your own small wind project. The wind is waiting!