The Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator is a 12 volt, 400 W wind turbine that was also developed by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona in the United States. It uses wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics.

This home wind generator running at an average wind speed of 15 mph will generate 50-60 watts per day at 2 to 3 amps. This wind generator does not connect to the grid and it is suggested by the manufacturer that it be used as a compliment to home solar power.

This product currently sells on Amazon for $499.99 USD. Here's the Amazon product description.

"The Sunforce 44444 400 Watt Wind Generator uses wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Constructed from lightweight, weatherproof cast aluminum, this generator is also a great choice for powering pumps or charging batteries for large power demands. With a maximum power up to 400 watts or 27 amps, this device features a fully integrated regulator that automatically shuts down when the batteries are completely charged. The 44444 is virtually maintenance free with only two moving parts, and the carbon fiber composite blades ensure low wind noise while the patented high wind over speed technology guarantees a smooth, clean charge. Assembly is required, but this generator installs easily and mounts to any sturdy pole, building, or the Sunforce 44455 Wind Generator 30-Foot Tower Kit. The 44444 uses a 12-volt battery (not included) and measures 15 x 9 x 27 inches (WxHxD)."

"Use the wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Great for cabins, 12V battery charging, remote power, backup power and hobbyists. Delivers up to 400 Watts. U.S.A. Application: Appliances and electronics, Volts: 12, Watts: 400 at 28 MPH, Blade Material: Carbon fiber composit, Speed (MPH): 110, Blade Diameter (in.): 46, Material: Lightweight cast aluminum body, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 24 x 15 x 9, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Electronic torque control."

For more information on the Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator, visit the product details page.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

As a follow-up to last month's post: Build Your Own Residential Wind Turbine, a new guide called Earth4Energy has just been released that provides step-by-step instructions for creating your own Earth4Energy DIY wind generator. The reason I wanted to blog about this similar product is that not only will this manual show you how to build your own wind turbine, but it will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to build your own DIY solar panels.

The reality of trying to power your home with wind is that the wind isn't always blowing. For this reason, renewable energy experts often say that wind and solar is often a good combination. Often the sun may be shining when the wind has calmed down and vice versa. A guide that will take you through the process of building your own wind turbine and building your own solar panels seems like a very valuable resource to me!

If you buy Earth4Energy, you can be up and running with residential wind power and residential solar power at a fraction of the cost of buying commercial products. Let's break it down. At a cost of $49.97 for the manual, $200 for materials to make a wind generator, $200 for the materials to make solar panels and a couple of weekends to actually work your way through the process, you should be able to reduce your electricity bill by at least 80%!

From the website:

"With the ever increasing costs of living there is no better time then right now to start producing our own electricity. Whether you want to simply reduce your power bills or completely eliminate them - Earth4Energy has a solution for you."

"Why pay $1000's for solar power or wind power when you can build your own professional system for less then $200!"

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

Although we haven't exhausted the list of available residential wind turbines, I wanted to make you aware of another direction you could go. A little bit more adventurous and not nearly as expensive, you could build your own residential wind turbine. It's amazing when you do a little bit of research and find out a lot of people are doing just that!

There are many resources available to guide you through the process step by step. One such resource is titled: Home Made Energy. The gentleman who wrote the book is Bill Ford and he doesn't just want to teach you how to make your own turbine ... he wants to teach you how to do it on the cheap! He promises to show you how to build your own residential wind turbine (1,000 watts) for less than $150.00 and a 3,000 watt wind turbine for about $220.00! That also includes the instructions and cost of building the tower.

I haven't read the book or gone through the process of building one of his turbines, but he claims you can make the three blades required for free in about an hour. He also provides tips on how to find a free forklift battery and recondition it for your power supply. He gives tips on what kind of generator you need and how to get the best prices.

Another resource available is Efficient Planet Guide To Building Your Own Wind Generator. The author's name is Edward Fowler and he claims that other plans he's seen are just too complicated. He promises easy to use instructions that will show you exactly how to build your own residential wind turbine (1,000 watts) for less than $100.00.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

Freetricity is a company based in Hemet, California introduced their new residential wind turbine, the Freetricity E2D Windmaster. The E2D Windmaster is a roof-mounted turbine at a very reasonable cost.

Freetricity lists five different WindMaster Wind Turbines on their website ranging from $1399 to $3499. The E2D 12 Volt DC System is touted as "The perfect starter system" at a very affordable price of $1399.00. The E2D 24 Volt DC System is priced at $1699.00. Branded as "The Rolls Royce of battery based systems", the E2D 48 Volt DC System is listed at $2299.00. Although not currently available, the E2D 1800 watt Grid Connect System will come with a price tag of $2999.00 and the E2D 2500 watt Grid Connect System is available at a cost of $3499.00.

From the news release announcing the WindMaster product line:

"WindMaster is available in four different power packages. The Grid Connects unique design is the most convenient system and supplies the most kilowatt-hours of power of all the packages. Simply mount the wind turbine to your roof, wire it to the grid connect inverter, and wire the inverter into the supply panel. The power generated by the WindMaster is supplied to your homes supply panel first; however, if it generates more power than you are currently using it will spin your meter backwards. Your electric company will then give you credit or cash for the power you generate."

"The 12-Volt, 24 and 48-Volt packages are battery-based systems. They charge the battery first then supply the users home with the stored voltage and current through a DC to AC inverter. The 12-Volt Basic package is the starter system and because it is easy to regulate the output of the WindMaster, it can be upgraded to any other E2D system. This upgrade ability applies to all system packages and is unique to the renewable industry."

For more information on the Freetricity E2D WindMaster, visit their website at http://www.freetricity.com.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

Mariah Power, based in Reno, Nevada, is the manufacturer of the Mariah Power Windspire. Their uniquely-designed Windspire turbine stands 30 feet tall with a radius of only 2 feet. Windspire, touted by the manufacturer as being "distinguished by its sleek propeller-free design, ultra quiet operation, rugged construction, and affordable pricing", is listed at $3,995.00. Other benefits listed on the company website include: ease of installation, ease of maintenance and high quality.

In a unique marketing twist, Mariah Power suggests using Windspires "in an array" and in essence creating your own mini wind farm.

Residential

"Use one or more Windspires to power your home. Place them in the back yard, or display them in front of your home. Line a path, driveway, or your entry, using Windspires as power-generating pillars. Great for homes in the country, but also appropriate for many suburban and urban settings."

Business

"Set up an array of Windspires in front of your building to provide you with electricity. Use this attractive form of renewable energy to visibly display your corporation's values and environmental responsibility, while lowering your energy bills."

Kinetic Sculptures for Resorts, Hotels, Office Towers, etc.

"A group of Windspires arranged artistically in an array, painted with custom colors, can form a novel display of renewable energy that provides usable electricity, visual appeal, and a strong message to passers-by. Take your outdoor display to a new level by incorporating Windspires."

Another unique feature of this particular turbine is a built-in wireless modem.

"Sometimes it can be nice to know how much energy you’re producing each month, let alone how much you made from that big windstorm last week. A click of your computer can provide you all of that. The Windspire has a built-in wireless modem that’s always transmitting power production information. Any computer with a WiFi modem can pick up the signal within 330 feet and read the output. It doesn’t get any simpler."

For more information on the Mariah Power Windspire, visit their website at http://mariahpower.com/.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

Marquiss Wind Power (MWP), based in Folsom, California, manufactures a unique series of ducted wind turbines called MWP Aeropoint Turbine. These turbines stand 19 feet tall, are square in shape and were designed for use on rooftops in a commercial or industrial setting. According to their website, Marquis Wind Power is targeting commercial buildings of 1-3 stories in the United States to take advantage of "some of the windiest real estate in the country".

The three products listed are: the AeropointT500, AeropointT1000 and AeropointT1500. The AeropointT500 is rated at 5Kw and is said to work well in average wind speeds of 6-10 MPH. The AeropointT1000 is rated at 10Kw and is designed to work optimally in areas with higher average wind speeds. There are no details listed about the AeropointT1500, but it is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2009. Prices are not given for the Aeropoint series of wind turbines, but the manufacturer boasts an ROI of 2-7 years and payback twice as fast as solar. If those numbers ring true, there will be a bright future for this product line.

More details from the manufacturer.

"Marquiss Wind Powers’ product line is the Aeropoint series. These Ducted Wind Turbines (DFWT) stand 19 feet tall and are specifically designed to take advantage of commercial settings and turbulent wind flows associated with rooftops. MWPs aerodynamic design allows it to continue to re-orient itself to harness the changing wind flow directions and turbulence, while the ducted design and other patented technologies enable the turbine to effectively accelerate the wind speed as it approaches the turbine."

"These factors combine to allow the power output from the MWP turbine to exceed that of any traditionally designed comparable turbine. Depending on the power needs of a company or building, multiple wind turbines can be placed on a building’s rooftop."

For more information on the MWP Aeropoint Turbine, visit the Marquiss Wind Power website at http://www.freetricity.com.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

The Whisper 500 Home Wind Generator is a larger wind turbine developed by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona in the United States. The product was formerly the Whisper 175 and was completely redesigned in 2004 to operate optimally in extremely high winds.

This home wind turbine is designed to produce at almost any wind speed. The output can be as much as 500 kWh per month in average wind speeds of 12mph average wind speed. 500 kWh per month is enough to power an average home in California.

Additional information from the manufacturer:

"The Whisper 500 is NOT for the novice. Installation of the turbine requires concrete foundations and at times a crane to lift the wind turbine into place."

"Solar and wind resources often compliment each other. Generally when it is sunny it is calm and when it is cloudy it is windy. This complimentary effect is even greater during seasonal changes. During the winter and spring when the sun is at its least exposure, the wind is at it highest. A Whisper 500 during these periods is essential to keep your batteries charged and your lights on."

For more information on the Whisper 500 Home Wind Generator, visit the product details page at http://www.windenergy.com/products/whisper_500.htm.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

The Whisper 200 Home Wind Generator is a another wind turbine developed by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona in the United States. The product was formerly the Whisper H80 and was renamed and updated in 2005.

This home wind turbine is designed to operate in average wind speeds of as low as 8 mph and will generate 6.8 kWh per day in a 12mph average wind speed. The output is double the production of the Whisper 100 running in similar conditions, and, although the 200 product is not as quiet, it offers the same ease of installation.

Additional information from the manufacturer:

"Unlike many other small wind systems, the Whisper 200 ships with a controller that includes a diversion load to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged."

"It installs in minutes and it protects both your wind turbine and battery. The Whisper controller fits easily inside your battery room. Add the optional LCD display and you will instantly receive real time data on the performance of your Whisper 200."

For more information on the Whisper 200 Home Wind Generator, visit the product details page at http://www.windenergy.com/products/whisper_200.htm.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

The Sunforce 44447 900W Whisper Wind Turbine is a 900 W wind turbine that was also developed by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona in the United States. It is a rebranded version of the Whisper 100 Home Wind Generator which was formerly the Whisper H40.

This home wind turbine requires an average wind speed of 12 mph and will generate 3.4 kWh per day in such conditions. This wind generator does not connect to the grid and it is suggested by the manufacturer that it be used as a compliment to home solar power. The manufacturer boasts that: "the Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested" and is a breeze to install.

Price Update: March 23, 2009

This product currently sells on Amazon for $2,199.99 USD. Here's the Amazon product description.

"The Sunforce 44447 Whisper 100 900 Watt Wind Generator uses wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Constructed from lightweight, weatherproof cast aluminum, this generator is also a great choice for powering pumps or charging batteries for large power demands. With a maximum power up to 900 watts or 60 amps, this device features a fully integrated regulator that automatically shuts down when the batteries are completely charged. The 44447 is virtually maintenance free with only three moving parts, and the carbon fiber composite blades ensure low wind noise while the double-sealed ball bearings guarantees a smooth, clean charge. Assembly is required, but this generator installs easily and mounts to any sturdy pole, building, or the Sunforce 44455 Wind Generator 30-Foot Tower Kit."

"Ultra-quiet wind turbine is designed to operate in a site with medium to high wind speed averages of 12 MPH and greater. Provides 100+ kWh per month (3.4 kWh per day) in a 12 MPH average wind. The Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs. Ideal for cabins, 12V battery charging, remote power and backup power. Adjusts from 12-48V DC and features overspeed protection. Towers or mounting brackets not included. U.S.A."

For more information on the Sunforce 44447 900W Whisper Wind Turbine, visit the product details page.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!

A helix wind turbine or helix wind generator is a wind energy system for the small wind market manufactured by HelixWind of San Diego, California in the United States. They define small wind as "typically just enough power to meet the demands of a home, farm or small business" and their two products are the Savonious 2.0 (a 2kW system) and the Savonious 5.0 (a 5kW system). The cost of each product is not listed on the company website and it appears as though the patent is still pending for the Savonious 5.0.

According to the company, the unique design of the Helix wind generator provides many advantages over other systems. These turbines can operate at very low wind speeds as their design allows them to harness wind from any direction. As the founder of HelixWind, Ken Morgan, explains in the video below, the turbines operate silently and do not provide the danger to birds that traditional turbines do.



For more information on the Helix Wind Turbine, visit their website at http://www.helixwind.com.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Home Made Energy. Help the environment and save money!