Among the trending movies on Netflix nowadays is "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind." It is a story about a boy who helped save his family and his whole village from famine by building a wind turbine. This is a wake-up call about taking advantage of the renewable energy sources around us.
Wind power has been used for so many years now. In the modern world, it still plays a vital role in supplying at least 11% of electricity in the US. You can add more to it by generating electricity for your home from wind energy through readily-available wind turbines.
The best home wind turbine I reviewed is ECO LLC 800w Wind-Solar Generator Kit. It works very well by combining solar and wind, making it more reliable. My second best choice is the ECO-WORTHY 500W Solar Wind Power Kit which only came second because of its rated wind speed requirements which are 29MPH. The third wind turbine I selected is the Dyna-Living Wind Turbine Generator Kit 400W which is easy to install and maintain. It also runs freely and produces little noise.
What Is a Wind Generator?
Image Credits: singularityhub.com
A wind generator is a machine that utilizes the power of the wind to create electricity through kinetic energy. Wind generators consist of blades, a nacelle, and a shaft. A gentle breeze will make the blades spin, creating kinetic energy.
When the rotor blades rotate, they also make the shaft from the nacelle turn, making the generator convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy. The blades turn at 3.5mls and provide maximum power with a wind speed of 11m/s.
Why You Need a Wind Power Generator for Your Home Use
The primary purpose of a wind turbine is to turn the power of the wind into the electricity we all use to power our homes and businesses. Therefore, if your area is windy enough, home wind turbines will help lower electricity bills by as much as 50-90% and provide an uninterrupted power source through extended utility outages—all with zero emissions and pollution.
When the wind turbines produce more electricity than the house requires, the surplus can be sold to the utility. With the interconnections available today, switching takes place automatically. Standalone wind energy systems are suitable for homes, farms, or communities far from the nearest utility lines. Either type of system can be practical if the following conditions exist.
My Selection Process
I selected these top wind generators based on the following criteria to ensure I only recommend the best.
Wind speed: I looked at the wind speed of the turbines because it determines the amount of electricity it will generate. The higher the wind speeds, the more power it generates because stronger winds allow the blades to rotate faster. Their speed of rotation translates into mechanical power and electric energy from the generator.
Turbine Design: The design of wind turbines tries to use more of the rotor blade radius to generate more power output. I chose turbines with larger blades to allow them to capture more of the wind's kinetic energy by moving more air through the rotors.
Low noise: Practically, almost all things with moving parts produce some sound; therefore, we can not exempt wind turbines from this. Nevertheless, we selected well-designed wind turbines that are generally quiet in operation.
8 Best Wind Turbine Generators for Your Home
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1. ECO LLC 800w Wind-Solar Generator Kit
- [21% High Efficiency]:400W Wind Turbine Generator has a low...
- [Intelligently PWM Hybrid Controller]: Match a 20A Hybrid Charge...
- [Powerful Pure Sine Wave Inverter]:1500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter...
- [100AH GEL Battary]:ECO-Worthy 100AH GEL Battery is perfect for...
- [Package Include&Expandable]:The package included 2*195W 18V Mono...
Some seasons may not have full wind speeds. During such days, I may not be able to generate as much electricity through a wind turbine alone, and I have to combine it with solar energy. That’s precisely how ECO LLC 800w Wind-Solar Generator works, by combining solar and wind.
This wind-solar generator kit combines a 140W Poly Solar Panel with an optimum power voltage of 18V, a 400W Wind Turbine Generator with a battery voltage of DC12V/24V, and a 1000W 12V to 110V Off-Grid Inverter. These features let me enjoy a continuous electricity supply throughout every season. The lifespan of this product is up to 15 years of producing usable power.
Image Credits: attainablehome.com
The wind generator kit has a triple-blade turbine made of carbon fiber composite. Its start-up wind speed is as low as 5.5mph, and the optimum output starts at 10.5mph. The solar energy is harnessed through three (3) pieces of solar panels. Both setups are connected to a waterproof wind and solar hybrid controller.
Reliability will never be an issue, rain or shine, if I have resources that will work for me 24/7, like this hybrid wind and solar setup. It is nice that it comes as a complete set. The wind turbine appears a little flimsy which might be why it is best compensated by solar energy. Overall, it is worth giving a shot at your home wind turbines.
What’s in the Box?
- 400W 12V/24V Wind Turbine Generator
- 20A 12V/24V Hybrid Charge Controller
- 140W 12V Poly Solar Panel
- 24cm(9.5") Cable with MC4 Connectors
- 1000W 12V-110V Pure Sine Wave Off
Pros:
Cons:
2. ECO-WORTHY 500W Solar Wind Power Kit
- [Ideal Output]: The ideal daily power generation of our 500W...
- [Solar Panel]: High efficiency monocrystalline solar panel is...
- [Wind Turbine Generator]: 400W wind turbine solve the problem...
- [PWM Hybrid Controller]: Our solar wind power kit includes a 20A...
- [Package Include]: 1* 400W Wind Turbine Generator + 1* 100W 18V...
The whole wind-solar generator from A-Wonderful produces 500w of energy output by combining the power of a triple-blade 400W wind turbine and a 100w foldable solar panel. This impressive combination is made for 12V batteries but can also be connected with other panels and wired in series to charge a 24/48V battery.
The compact body is made with carbon steel and is protected by epoxy zinc-rich primer and polyurethane anti-corrosion treatment. The patented, permanent magnet rotor generator guarantees stability and regulates torque resistance whenever necessary.
Image Credits: insights.aliexpress.com
The minimum cut-in speed for this wind turbine is 4.4MPH, which is at par with other wind turbines. The rated wind speed is 29MPH which is higher than the other brands’ requirements for a similar expected output. The thing I liked about the kit is that it has a high maximum wind speed tolerance of 111MPH. The brand offers impressive warranty coverage of 5 years on materials and artistry.
It was easy to consider using a wind-plus solar setup once I looked at the A-wonderful 500w Wind-Solar installation. It covers everything necessary for a hybrid installation. The only downside I see is the rated wind speed requirement, which seems higher than its competitors. I live in a consistently windy area, and this setup is worth the price.
What’s in the Box?
- 400W 3-Blade Wind Turbine
- Integrated Permanent Magnet Generator
- 100W Foldable Solar Panel
- Nose Cone
- Screws and Nuts
- Instruction Manual
Pros:
Cons:
3. Dyna-Living Wind Turbine Generator Kit 400W
- [High-Quality and Durable]- The 400W wind turbine motor adopts a...
- [Excellent Heat Resistance]-The coil is made of Teflon wire,...
- [High-Quality 3 Blades of Wind Turbine Generator]-The blade is...
- [Unique Design]- The wind turbine generator adopts a permanent...
- [Wide Application]-This wind turbine generator is easy...
The 12V 400W wind turbine generator with charge controller is easy to install and maintain; The three blades three-phase A.C. permanent magnet synchronous generator runs freely and has low noise,
I used this wind turbine motor for wind power generation for my indoor or outdoor activities, such as power supply for boats, pavilions, green windmills or street lighting, homes, power plant, landscape island, or industrial energy supply.
Image Credits: attainablehome.com
In addition, these wind turbines are made of high-quality materials and have well-designed, excellent heat resistance and high-quality blades.
The Dyna-Living wind turbine generator kit is among the best options, with a 400 W capacity and an included M.P.P.T. Charge Controller. I highly recommend it for homeowners looking for a residential wind turbine to reduce electricity bills.
What's in the Box
- Charge Controller
- Bolts and screws
- Manual controller
Pros:
Cons:
4. Happybuy Wind Turbine Generator 400w D.C. 12V With Controller
- ♻[MAIN PARAMETER] ~ Rated Power: 400W ; Rated Voltage: DC 12V ;...
- ♻[CONTROLLER INTRODUCTION] ~ Model: FWS03/06-12 ; Battery Rated...
- ♻[HIGH-QUALITY BLADE] ~ The blade material is synthetically...
- ♻[POWERFUL PERFORMANCE] ~ 3Phase AC PMG, permanent magnet...
- ♻[WIDE APPLICATION] ~ This wind turbine is coated with a...
This home wind generator kit is compact and lightweight. It is made of high-quality aluminum and stainless steel fittings, making it durable. The blade uses premium, high-strength plastic with 30% carbon fiber and anti-UV material.
One of the features I liked most was the unique material coating to prevent oxidation and corrosion. The whole unit is water- and sand-resistant, making it marine-use-ready.
The generator has a microprocessor control that regulates the current and voltage. It has a built-in magnetic circuit designed to lower the starting torque and an integrated braking system to prevent strain and damage to the gears when the wind is too strong.
Image Credits: bahamas.desertcart.com
It can generate 400w of electricity at 26MPH wind speed because It has a minimum cut-in speed of 5.5MPH comparable to wind turbines in the 3-blade category. It is quiet, has low maintenance, and has a wide range of use for home, office, commercial and industrial applications. The service life of this product under regular use is up to 15 years.
Happybuy Wind Turbine may seem small, but it performs better than most wind turbines. The manufacturer specializes in these products, and their wind generators are built to last. This product is also affordable. The only downside is that it does not seem like it is hybrid-ready. The wind turbine is a piece of excellent equipment and might be a great addition to a solar setup.
What’s in the Box?
- 3-blade Wind Turbine
- Controller 12V/24v (For wind only)
- Nose cone
- Instruction manual
- Screws and nuts
Pros:
Cons:
5. Pikasola Wind Turbine 200W
- 1.（-Safety-）: 5-leaf double-axis vertical blade design, which...
- 2.（-High Wind Energy Utilization-）: Wind blades adopt...
- 3. (-Quietly-): The vertical wind turbine is quieter than...
- 4. (-Excellent Generator-): Permanent magnet three-phase...
- 5. (-Installation convenience-): Vertical axis wind turbine can...
Pikasola wind turbine constitutes five vertical axis blades with a low cut-in wind speed of 3.35 mph. Each blade is produced with a quality fiber design allowing blades to move to the windward side.
Image Credits: literoflightusa.org
While using this wind turbine, I realized it attains the highest generation of 200 W at a 24.06 mph rated wind speed accompanied by an M.M.P.T. charge controller. This charge controller is designed to control the power flow to the batteries and shuts down generation when the batteries are fully charged.
What's in the Box
- Charge Controller
- Bolts and screws
- Manual controller
Pros:
Cons:
6. Windmax HY400 500 Watt Max 12-Volt 5-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit
- 500 Watt Max/400 Watt Rated
- Pole not included
- Wind turbines include generator, blades, controller and...
- Maintanence free
- Greater energy production yield for all wind speeds and lowest...
Windmax HY400 is a wind turbine rated at 12.0 m/s (26.84 mph). However, it begins creating wind power at a speed of 2.5 m/s (5.6 mph), and the output can go as high as 500 W in fast-moving winds. I discovered that HY400 has an electrical power brake and blades with an aerodynamic brake protecting the generator from fast winds, providing a survival wind speed of 111.84 mph.
Image Credits: ecopeanut.com
What's in the Box
- Charge Controller
- Bolts and screws
- Manual controller
Pros:
Cons:
7. Tumo-Int 1000w 3-Blade Wind Turbine Generator Kit with Wind Boosting Controller
- [Low Noise] The aluminum alloy case of the wind turbine is light...
- [High Efficiency] Optimized design of aerodynamic contour and...
- [Safe and reliable] Adopts mechanical and electromagnetic dual...
- [Durable and Sturdy] The shell is robust and tight. The wind...
- [Automated] Auto windward direction adjustment. By operating with...
Setting up was overwhelming and intimidating when I was relatively new to the alternative energy resources game. However, a product like Tumo-Int Generator Kit would make me feel at ease because it is straightforward and comes with a digital controller.
The tumor-Int turbine generator is lightweight and minimalistic in design, making it one of the most convenient small wind turbines. Its triple blades can generate 1000w of power at 12.5mph wind speed. It has a 5.5mph minimum cut-in speed.
Image Source: jumia.co.ke
However, its maximum wind tolerance is only 78mph which may not be suitable at highly windy locations. Since its design is of low noise and vibration, it is perfect for my small perimeter and backyard.
The M.P.P.T. Controller that comes with this wind generator detects and shows the real-time voltage generated by the turbines. It also tracks maximum voltage to allow the system to provide the maximum output or charge to the battery without compromising safety.
I can measure the efficiency of any wind turbine in real-time through the digital M.P.P.T. controller that comes with this generator kit. The home wind turbines also efficiently run even at the lowest wind speeds. The only downside of this wind turbine kit is the inability to survive strong winds. The blades and the rotor might be too delicate for harsh weather conditions like hurricanes.
What’s in the Box?
- 3-blade turbine
- Controller
- Nose Cone
- Bolts and Screws
- Operation Manual
Pros:
Cons:
8. Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine Generator kit
- ✅ Integrated Automatic & Manual Braking System.
- ✅ Compatible with Solar/ Hybrid Systems.
- ✅ High-quality Polypropylene and Glass Fiber material with...
- ✅MPPT Maximum power point tracking protect from sudden voltage...
- ✅ Simple DIY installation. Restrictive of Hazardous Substances...
I was looking for a freestanding wind turbine for my backyard, and the Automaxx Windmill 1500W was a powerful option. This is because it provides 1500 watts of uninterrupted output and operates at a relatively wide range of wind speeds.
The kit features maximum power point tracking (M.P.P.T.) to protect from sudden voltage surges due to strong wind gusts and overcharging and boasts automatic and manual braking. I can monitor and control the M.P.P.T. Controller via Bluetooth.
Image Credits: leafscore.com
With a rated power of 1500W, 24V with Low Cut-in wind speed, Automaxx is an excellent choice for a small backyard.
Automaxx may be a new player in wind generator production. In light of that, they have impressively designed a compact yet reliable wind turbine with an automatic controller. This is beneficial to the service life of both the turbine and the battery. It would have been better if the controller and system were hook-up or hybrid-ready.
What's in the Box
- Charge controller
- Nose cone
- Bolts and screws
- Manual controller
Pros:
Cons:
Considerations When Buying Wind Power Generators for Home Use
A. Wind Speed
The feasibility of wind-power generation in a site depends on having a maximum wind speed that is obtainable at the height at which the turbine is to be installed. Therefore, when choosing a wind turbine design, consider the average wind speed at the designated wind turbine construction site.
B. Turbine Size
Turbine size is related to the energy output because the more extensive the turbine size is, the more wind it is exposed to. However, more giant turbines need more enormous pillars restricting the construction and maintenance related to site-dependent specifications.
C. Noise Impact
There are two sources of noise in a wind turbine; it can either be aerodynamic or mechanical. Aerodynamic noise occurs when the turbine blades interact with wind caused by atmospheric turbulence. On the other hand, mechanical noise comes from the rotor machinery, such as the gearbox and the generator. Noise could be reduced by better-designed turbine blade geometry and by selecting proper operating conditions.
Image Credits: thegreenage.co.uk
D. Visual Impact
Wind turbines are located in windy places; most of the time, those places are pronounced. Those giant towers with 2 or 3 blades create visual pollution for many people. Many adopters of the technology implement different actions to reduce the impacts of visual pollution. These may include the following:
- The wind turbine tower, blades, and transformer box are always painted a neutral color to blend with the surroundings.
- Positioning the turbine to decrease the possibility of shadow falling on surrounding inhabited structures.
E. Price
Home wind turbines are usually costly, like solar generators and virtually any power storage. So, when installing a wind generator, consider it as an investment. Investing in a better wind turbine will ensure you note a significant difference in your energy bills and recover the installation cost quickly.
F. Installation and Maintenance
Some of the turbines are weighty, so the possibility of injury might be high, especially if you're installing it on your rooftop. Setting up a wind generator will require you to connect power to your home, and this will need you to consult a professional. Realistically, installing a wind generator may not be for a layperson. That's why it is essential to consult a contractor and electrician.
Also, the wind turbine will need long-term maintenance. While some are created to operate over a long time without a tune-up, you will occasionally want an expert to check your system and make repairs as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)
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1. How long do wind generators typically last?
A good quality, modern wind generator will generally produce usable power for 20 years, although this can be extended to 25 years depending on environmental factors and the correct maintenance procedures.
2. What are the disadvantages of wind energy for home use?
- Wind generators can be noisy due to the mechanical operation created by blades slicing through the air.
- Another challenge to wind energy is that it cannot be generated consistently. Therefore, wind energy is not convenient to be a base load energy source and the primary source of power generation.
- For wind turbines to be economically viable, they should be installed where they will generate sufficient electric power. Most of these suitable places are in remote areas far outside cities and towns, in more rural areas, or offshore.
3. Are wind home generators worth it?
Home wind turbines are worth it to reduce your reliance on the power grid. A wind turbine can decrease your energy bills sustainably. Besides, it also gives you some built-in emergency power during a blackout. The scaling down in your electricity bill should eventually pay back the turbine's cost.
4. How big of a wind turbine do you need to power a house?
Wind turbines vary in sizes from small to medium, from 0.4kW to 20kW, and you need to choose a size that suits your electricity needs. There is always a way to calculate the wind turbine size for your house.
When calculating the size, consider the wind speed in your area and the amount of energy you want to produce. This is because the sizes of the wind turbines depend on the electrical needs of your house and its appliances.
Most houses use about 1000kWh of electricity monthly, so a 5 to 15 kW wind turbine is big enough to generate sufficient power.
5. How many wind generators does it take to power a house?
An average small wind generator in your backyard has a capacity of 1 kW. An annual wind speed of about nine mph can generate more than 600kwh annually. Therefore, an average household will require 10000kwh a year. Even in a windy place, you will need about 17 small turbines to generate power for a single home.
On the other hand, one large wind turbine of 5 MW can produce up to 5000000 watts powering more than 290 homes. This is because larger blades and greater wind speeds tend to generate more electrical output.
6. Can I put a small wind turbine on my roof?
Yes, because compact wind turbines are designed to be installed on the rooftop. However, they generate less energy than large standalone turbines.
7. Are bladeless wind turbines better?
Bladeless wind turbines can be economical and can require less maintenance. On the other hand, bladed turbines produce more power at lower wind speeds. A bladed turbine is likely to be the most effective option when building a home in a place with low to moderate wind speeds.
Final Thoughts
Image Credits: treehugger.com
Installing the best home wind turbines is a significant home improvement project. It would be best if you didn’t do it carelessly. Take your time and research to determine what small wind electric systems will give you maximum productivity on your property.
Wind turbines are highly efficient, making most homeowners go green with a hybrid solar wind system. So, if you have the space, wind power can be an excellent and sustainable resource.
Furthermore, you can enjoy all the benefits of renewable energy by going for a powerful wind turbine and powering your home with wind energy.
