How To Make Your Own Windmill - Essential Tips

Buying a ready-made windmill can easily cost anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 dollars, so it is interesting to consider how to build a windmill for oneself. Actually, doing it yourself is very easy and can be done for under 200 dollars. For this sort of money you will not get a very large windmill, but the potential savings are pretty significant.

So, if you are thinking about making a windmill, what do you need to do first? Before setting out on this project, you should consider a few things first:

• Local average wind speed. Whatever others might tell you, windmills do not operate very well in average winds under 10 mph. The US Department of Energy publishes detailed wind resource maps, which should be checked before making a windmill.
• Building Codes. Check these to see if you can build a windmill. For a small windmill you probably will be OK, but it’s best to make sure.
• Available windmill space. Plan on roughly half an acre for a small windmill.
• Next-door neighbors. It is sensible to include your neighbors in your plans, and prepare to overcome any prejudices about possible noise, TV interference and so on.
• Windmill capacity. You only want a windmill that will generate enough electricity for your needs. The utility company does not have to buy any surplus from you, only offset against your grid consumption.
• Storage. If you intend to live off-grid you will need to have batteries for electricity storage. These are available for free if you know the secret source!. Or plan to use your windmill to partially offset your utility bills.

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, and make sure these include full lists of materials needed for the assembly as well as clear step-by-step instructions.

Small windmills have only a few components. Typically these are:

• A propeller (actually 3 propeller blades fixed to a hub)
• A DC motor
• A fantail
• An axle to which these are fitted
• A mounting pole
• An inverter, if AC is required
• Storage batteries

With some electrical wiring and a few fasteners you will have everything needed to build your own windmill. Almost certainly you will have many of these items in your shed but, even if you have to buy them, you will find it possible to get all required items for under 200 dollars. It is quite feasible to assemble and fit a small windmill in a weekend.

Further information and recommendations about detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams to show you how to build your own windmill can be found at Practical-Solar.

They can be had for very little money, and are well worth the investment. 

Why Not Build Your Own Pool Solar Heater - It's Easy And Cheap!

Using the sun to heat your swimming pool is one of the most practical applications of free solar energy. A solar water heater will let you enjoy a longer swimming season and preserve your water temperature during cooler evenings without having to worry about the heating costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems can heat a large amount of water each day, and are quite capable of keeping the water temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range even in moderate sunshine.

Installing a swimming pool solar heating system also adds value to your home.

If you decide to buy and install a ready-made solar water heating system you could pay from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on collector size and installation costs. However, it is quite possible to make your own solar water heater for an average-sized pool for under $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.

The solar water heater is fitted into a circulation loop connected to the existing filter system. While the filter is working during the day the water is passed through the solar collectors and back to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity locally.

The solar collectors are often mounted on roofs to get the best exposure to direct sunshine. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude less 10 to 15 degrees. Several factors will influence the size of the collector panels, but it will be at least 50% of the pool surface area. Increase this to 75% if the collectors are laid flat or facing west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be the same as that of the pool when the site is shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. Because of the space requirements of the collectors, it is often better to fix them to a ground frame or even a suitable fence.

There are several factors which can influence a solar heater installation, including:

• Climate and sunlight availability.
• Building codes and safety issues.
• Size of the pool.
• Length of the swimming season.
• Desired pool temperature.
• Solar collector efficiency.

You really need the help of an expert to design your swimming pool solar heating system when considering these factors, because only someone with professional experience will be able to suggest the best solar pool heating system for your particular circumstances.

Making and fitting a swimming pool solar heater is very easy, and you need no special skills or fancy tools. You will find all needed materials in your local hardware shop. But, as always, there are experts that will make your job easier and safer, and the project planning stage much more complete.

I have no hesitation in recommending one solar heater kit that includes a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of clearly illustrated instructions to guide you throughout the build in making your swimming pool solar heater.

For less than $200, including all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can make a superb solar water heater system for your pool – what a great idea!