subject: Windmill Kits - Checklist Of Pieces [print this page] Wind turbine kits can be a great way to save money on the installation of a home energy system. However, when it comes time to price them you need to be aware that there is no standard parts list.
The parts that come with one kit might not come with the next one you find. Therefore, you need a checklist
Nonetheless, these are the parts you will need to complete the circuit and have a functional piece of wind generating equipment:
Blades
Generator
Housing
Now that we have gone through what should be in the kit, here is what will not be included and what you must buy separately:
Tower - this is typically used on both vertical and horizontal wind turbines. However, the vertical-axis turbines are mounted lower than the horizontals.
Grid Tie Inverter - you need this part if you are going to export power back to the electric grid. Many times kits will come with components that still need to be primed and painted. So, you will either need to plan to do that yourself or find a service that can do that for you.
The main thing you need to do first though is figure out what wind resources you have to work with. This will drive you to the kit you need. If you don't take the time to do this on the front end it will be very difficult to accurately match the kit to the task. Just because you buy a 3 watt system does not in any way mean you can consistently produce anywhere near 3 watts of power for your house.
It is not that hard but it takes some time and planning. First, you need to think through some intuitively sound spots where you might want to install your windmill. Then, get a small data gathering device called and anemometer. The anemometer will allow you to take sample data exactly where you might put your wind turbine.
This information is invaluable in determining what you want to buy. If you have very low wind conditions there is no need in wasting your time with a wind turbine that requires 9 mph of steady wind to make power. Instead, in that case focus on low cut-in speed turbines.
In conclusion, this market for wind turbine kits is definitely a buyer beware situation. There is no policing of the system so it is easy to make a mistake.
