Fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources cannot last forever. We are simply running out of them, and prices are skyrocketing. We need to change the way we use energy and the way we generate energy in order to make sure our lifestyle remains sustainable over the long-term.

There are some people who have already started thinking this way. New scientific breakthroughs in renewable energy are allowing us to create sustainable energy at lower and lower costs.

Using the right set of plans even homeowners who don’t know anything about construction or electricity can build their own alternative energy sources right in their backyards, such as wind power generators.

Homebuilt wind turbines can make as much power to reduce the average household’s power bill by 60-70%. The right advice can show you how many people make their wind power generators for as little as $200 US.

A basic tool set (hammer, saw, screwdriver…) and parts from any general hardware store is all that is needed. You can estimate the amount of power a generator can create using the following formula:

Power(Watts) = (Wind Speed)^3 * (Blade Diameter)^2 * 0.00478

The speed of the wind makes the most difference because its value is cubed, then the blade diameter because its value is squared. Example calculation using a decent wind speed of 10mph and an 8 ft blade diameter:

W = (10*10*10) * (8*8) * 0.00478 = 305 watts/hour - x 24 hours and you can calculate 7.3 kWh generated per day by a wind power generator.

An average home uses about 12-20 kWh/day. Of course if you conserve your power you can reduce that to much less - even down to 5 kWh per day. So if you don’t have a great average wind speed in your area, a wind power generator can significantly reduce your power bill, and it may only cost you $200.

Tags: Green Power