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With stock windmills costing between 15,000 and 25,000 dollars, even for a domestic unit, it is interesting to consider how to build a windmill for oneself. In fact it is very easy and straightforward, and there are plenty of people who claim to have done it for under 200 dollars. This kind of money will not get you a grand windmill, but you will be able to make really significant savings on your utility bills.

So, what does it take to build your own windmill? Before starting to build your own windmill you should do some research:

• Average wind speed. Whatever others might tell you, windmills do not operate very well in average winds under 10 mph. The US Government has made available detailed wind resource maps, which should be consulted before making a windmill.

• Local building regulations and codes. Check these to see if you can build a windmill. Usually, small windmills will be acceptable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Area of windmill site. Plan on roughly half an acre for a small windmill.

• Neighbors. Good idea to talk to neighbors at the planning stage, and overcome their objections to potential noise, interference with TV reception and similar concerns.

• Windmill capacity. No point in making a huge windmill that will generate more electricity than you need. The utility company does not have to buy any surplus from you, only offset against any power you draw from the grid.

• Batteries. If you want some independence from the grid you will need to include storage batteries. These can cost you nothing if you know the secret. Or simply use your windmill to reduce your grid consumption.

These are some of the reasons why it is often best to seek advice from windmill experts when planning to build your own windmill. You will then be able to select the right plans for your circumstances, which should include a complete materials list, sources of materials and clear, step-by-step instructions.

A small diy windmill is very straightforward, and comprises only a few components. Typically these are:

• A propeller (actually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)

• A DC motor

• A tail fin

• An axle to which these are fitted

• A mounting pole

• An inverter, if AC is required

• Batteries

With some electrical wiring and a few fasteners you will have everything needed to build your own windmill. You probably have most of the necessary parts in your shed but, even if you have to buy them, 200 dollars should get you all that is required. Putting them together and installing the turbine on your site can be done in a weekend.

Detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams to show you how to build your own windmill are beyond the scope of this article, but they are available for very little money. Further information and recommendations can be found at Practical-Solar.