Like many clean energy advocates, world leaders are recognizing the huge potential of wind turbines to generate renewable energy. United States President Joe Biden, for example, is accelerating offshore wind leases all over the country. 

Market analysis for 2022-2027 by Mordor Intelligence forecasts that the wind turbine industry will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10%, which is considered quite good. 

So, it certainly makes perfect sense that humans exploit wind as a domestic, renewable energy source. But at what cost?

Over the last few decades, wind energy on both utility scale and residential levels have become more popular. Along with their increased prevalence comes lowered costs of wind turbines and increased government incentives to go green with wind.

This is great news!

In this article, you’ll discover how much wind turbines cost today. You’ll also find an analysis of the costs and benefits in terms of energy savings from a wind turbine.

Wind turbine costs: an overview 

Utility wind turbines cost millions of dollars each. For example, a wind turbine with a nameplate (rated) capacity of 1 MW could go for $1.3-$2.2 million. 

On the other hand, a residential wind turbine producing under 100 kilowatts costs about $3,000-8,000 per kilowatt of capacity. 

How are these price tags broken down? 

The schema below shows the relationships between wind turbine costs and benefits, and how the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) — as the bottom line or metric in an economic evaluation of wind energy — is determined.

Wind turbine components

Given the sheer size of wind turbines, literally tons of materials — including steel, fiberglass, iron, copper, aluminum, and plastic — are required to construct the major components of a wind turbine. 

In the tables and graphs below, this cost is noted simply as turbine. 

Wind turbine operations and maintenance (O&M)

Additionally, anchoring the turbines during installation in a location to withstand high wind gusts and sometimes ocean waves is an expensive project in itself. Installation is part of a balance of system cost — along with electrical infrastructure and assembly — noted in the table and graph below. 

Wind turbine operations and maintenance costs

Daily operations and regular maintenance (O&M) costs represent other steep financial outlays and are noted as O&M below.

Wind turbine financial costs

Lastly, the cost of a wind turbine must include insurance and construction financing, together referred to as financial costs in the following graphics.

The tables and graphs below list estimated costs for different wind turbine systems as determined by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) using 2019 data. Values may fluctuate over time especially as steel markets are volatile. 

The values are based on typical wind turbines in use today. On the other hand, newer wind turbine technologies, such as carbon fiber, are more expensive. Engineering designs that eliminate the need for certain turbine components — such as a transition piece — tend to drive down costs. 

Other modeling studies by NREL present a series of mathematical equations that may help investors or industry professionals doing a life cycle assessment or cost-benefit analysis to calculate the costs of wind turbines.

Wind turbine costs: a breakdown of the major parts

Wind turbines of all sizes contain these three major parts. One utility wind turbine could cost $1 million or more depending on its energy capacity. Approximately 75-80% of that may be for the wind turbine itself.

According to WindEurope, the tower of a wind turbine is the most expensive part of a turbine. It costs 26.6% of the total.

The rotor blades of a wind turbine are the second most expensive part of the turbine, costing 22% of the total. A National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report estimates utility-scale blades cost $150,000 or more.

Thirdly, the gearbox is estimated to account for 13% of the total turbine cost.

Two inner parts of the wind turbine responsible for creating electrical energy — the power converter and the transformer that converts DC electrical current to AC current — are also costly, coming in at 5% and 3.6% of the total wind turbine price tag.

Wind turbine costs: manufacturing and installation

A 2015 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report provides a percentage breakdown of commonly used wind turbine materials. (Note: Values are ranges only. They will vary depending on turbine manufacturer and turbine model.)

Wind turbine tower materials

Today there are three main types of wind turbine towers:

1. Tubular steel
2. Lattice steel
3. Concrete 

In most cases, sections of the tower are built offsite and transported to the wind project site where they are assembled, often up to 200-300 ft. in height, similar to the Statue of Liberty in New York City!

The tower is the first part of wind turbine assembly which may take several days to finish.

Wind turbine nacelle materials

Positioned on top of the tower is the nacelle, a fiberglass-steel housing of all the inner parts of the turbine.

When completed, the nacelle may weigh 300 tons and span 50 ft. or more.

Inside the nacelle are the gearbox, generator and related equipment responsible for energy conversions. First in the nacelle, the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into mechanical energy used to turn the blades. Then the mechanical energy is transformed into electricity.  

Wind turbine rotor blade materials

Today, the predominant materials in wind turbine blades are glass or carbon fibers encased in plastic. 

Other lightweight materials, including balsa wood or aluminum, may be used, typically placed in the hollow core.

Wind turbine blades have gotten longer over time. Today, a length of 170 ft. or longer is typical for a utility scale wind turbine blade, while a residential wind turbine blade may be only 25-50 ft. long. 

A major reason for the increasing length is their greater energy capacity as the diagram below illustrates.

Currently, a three-blade turbine spinning on a horizontal axis is the most common wind turbine. Egg beater-like wind turbines operating on a vertical axis are not yet in widespread use.

To given you a better idea of what’s involved in manufacturing and installing a wind turbine from start to finish, here’s a time lapse video that shows the complexity: 

Wind turbine costs: operation and maintenance (O&M)

Like anything with movable parts, wind turbines require regular maintenance for proper operation. Lubrication and a periodic oil change — like for a car – are just for starters.

This is expensive, especially given the difficulty of accessing the parts on a wind turbine in action. Not only is it hazardous, it’s logically tricky to transport the spare parts — assuming they’re available — to the remote location. 

Think of a 150-ft. blade being helicoptered in, for example, to a distant ocean site. Then you need a jack-up barge or a crane ship in order to perform the blade replacement.

Not to mention a very courageous human technician!

A 2021 article in the journal Applied Sciences, states that the operations and maintenance (O&M) costs for wind turbines is approximately 20-30% of the total levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of current wind systems.

The good news is that both the LCOE and the O&M have fallen in recent years for both onshore and offshore wind projects between 28% and 52%. However, the process of both preventive and corrective maintenance is far from streamlined. Much more research, such as on spare part planning, is required, before those costs fall even more.

Given that onshore wind turbines have a functional life of 20 years while an offshore wind turbine can operate for 25 years, the wind turbine industry would benefit enormously by perfecting seamless O&M, thereby making it more attractive to investors.

Wind turbine industry: growth and trends

Due to a growing worldwide demand for clean energy, the wind turbine industry is slated to undergo widespread expansion in the 2020s.

Wind turbine industry leader

Currently, Asia Pacific is both the largest and the fastest growing market for wind turbines in the world. 

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the wind turbine industry. In fact, there have been 30% fewer wind energy installations worldwide in the last two years than were forecasted by industry experts.

According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the offshore wind industry installed only 6.1 GW in 2020, down slightly from 6.24 GW the previous year. 

For the third consecutive year, China dominated the world in new wind installations totalling more than 3 GW of offshore wind in 2020.

In fact, China is currently installing its biggest offshore wind farm called the Shapa. So far, it’s over 700 GW in capacity — and this represents only the first two of five stages of the mega-project. 

Wind turbine industry developments

New developments in manufacturing and installing offshore wind turbines are destined to make this segment of the wind turbine industry see significant growth in the next several years. For example, advanced, lighter materials allow taller turbines to be constructed and installed safely. 

Taller turbines necessitate longer blades that can sweep more wind into rotation. The wind at these higher altitudes is less turbulent, resulting in more efficient energy production.

Plus, improved blade airfoils enhance the efficiency at capturing wind energy per rotation even more. 

Wind turbine installations: forecast

The current state of the wind turbine industry is so good that the GWEC, the largest wind energy industry trade group, intends to install 380 GW of offshore wind by 2030, and 2,000 GW by 2050.

That’s a lot of wind power!

In 2022, a 950 MW wind array, the Moray Firth East in the North Sea, is due to be fully activated. An estimated $3.3 billion investment is bringing it to life.

The U.S. Departments of Interior, Energy, and Commerce announced in March 2021 a commitment to install 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030. This power is sufficient to meet the annual energy needs of 10 million+ homes.

2021 U.S. Department of Energy wind reports: latest trends and stats

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released three wind reports. All of them build on the fact that advances in wind turbine technology are leading to greater power output at reduced costs.

Here are a few of the major conclusions of those reports:

• Since 2019, average nameplate capacity of newly installed wind turbines grew by 8% to 2.75 MW.
• 16,836 MW capacity of new, onshore wind power was added in 2020 across 25 states.
• Wind turbine prices have dramatically declined in the last decade from $1,800/kW to $770/kW.
• Numerous coastal states on the Eastern seaboard are rapidly expanding their offshore wind capacities, representing a 24% increase over the previous year to 35,324 MW planned or in progress.
• Agricultural and residential owners made up the largest percentage of distributed wind projects, at 36% and 24% respectively. 
• Small wind retrofits — for example, installing an upgraded turbine on an existing tower — are becoming popular, making up 80% of all small wind capacity installations.

Find out what these report highlights mean for you as a farmer, homeowner, or business in the next section. 

Wind turbine costs for homeowners, farmers, and small businesses: an overview

If you’re interested in renewable energy to power your home, farm, or small business, investing in a wind turbine — either on your property or through a community sharing program — may be to your advantage. 

As mentioned previously, wind turbine costs as well as rates for electricity generated via wind energy are at all-time lows and expected to get even better in the near future.

Doing a retrofit of new blades on an existing tower is a highly cost-effective option in this scenario.

That is, if you’re in a region with steady winds of at least 10-12 mph up to 55 mph — after which the turbine ceases functioning to prevent damage — and own at least one acre of land, wind turbines for energy are worth looking into compared to solar. (Assuming your local zoning codes permit wind turbine projects.) 

Homeowners have the option of using a certified professional installer or DIYing it with a wind turbine kit for home energy.

Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine Generator Kit

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For more detailed information on small-scale wind turbine projects, check out the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s report on this topic. 

Residential wind turbine costs: estimate

For an average-sized home and energy demands of 10 kWh/yr. of wind power capacity, a free-standing or roof-mounted wind turbine will cost approximately $50,000 before any tax incentives or company rebates. If your area’s wind speed is below 10-12 mph, experts advise that it’s not economically worth it.

Just as with grid-tied home solar systems, net metering and battery storage are options to make wind energy more attractive — and usually more cost-effective — to skeptical homeowners.

Wind turbine incentives: residential and small businesses

There are federal and state incentives of up to 30% of expenditures available for certain wind projects. To find out more about state rebates, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). For federal programs, begin your research at the DOE’s wind energy funding page.

For farmers and country landowners, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offers a variety of grants and guaranteed loans for energy efficiency projects including wind energy. 

Residential wind turbines: alternative programs

Even if a private wind turbine is cost prohibitive, you may consider joining a local distributed wind network or community wind program. These enable you to participate in the green energy revolution without making a huge financial investment.

Farmers and other landowners may lease their land as a wind farm and make money in the process, much like a solar farm does for its owner.

Off-grid wind turbine costs: small-scale uses

For smaller scale uses while camping or RVing, you may find a wind turbine generator that meets your energy needs for about $300-500. They function like a solar generator but rely on wind strength to produce electrical power instead of on sunlight.

Wind turbine ROI: energy savings from wind energy

When calculating the return on investment (ROI) of a wind turbine, it’s important to figure in an approximate 50% efficiency (at most) depending on your area’s wind speed and regularity. Using a power curve that takes into account natural wind speed fluctuations rather than the nameplate capacity (rated at 100% peak performance) will improve accuracy of your ROI calculation, too.

It’s possible to achieve a payback period of 6 years for a residential wind turbine, although given the large number of variables, it’s difficult to conclude that this is the average payback period for all small scale wind turbines. In fact, often reviewers state that it’s 10-20 years.

A residential wind turbine has an average lifespan of 20 years. For a utility wind turbine, it’s 25 years.

FAQs on wind turbine costs

Here are a few commonly asked questions and responses about wind turbine costs.

Are wind turbine costs too low?

Some wind industry professionals believe that wind turbine costs are falling so much in a short time period that it could hurt the industry in the long run. Listen to the podcast below for more information on this seemingly counterintuitive idea.

Which companies are the top manufacturers of wind turbines?

According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), wind turbine manufacture is booming worldwide despite a global Covid-19 pandemic.

Danish company Vestas holds the top spot for the fifth consecutive year in wind turbine manufacture. GE Renewable Energy comes in at #2 globally and as the leading domestic manufacturer in the United States, installing 10 GW there in 2020.

For 2020, Chinese Goldwind is in third place worldwide and #1 in China, installing 12 GW domestically.

Does it take more energy to build a wind turbine than it can generate?

It takes some energy to build a wind turbine. However, a scientific study concluded that in 5-8 months, the amount of energy that the wind turbine produces equalizes the energy that went into its manufacture and installation.

So for a utility wind turbine with a lifespan of 25 years, that’s a small carbon footprint and plenty of free, clean energy.

Key takeaways on wind turbine costs

Whether you’re a farmer, business, utility, or homeowner, wind energy as a renewable energy source outweighs the costs of wind turbines when viewed as a long-term investment from an environmental as well as an economic perspective. 

However, if you don’t wish to finance your own wind turbine, leasing your land for a wind energy project or participating in a community wind sharing program are just two of the many options available today to homeowners, farmers, and small businesses.

Wind energy is a major part of humanity’s carbon-free energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward a habitable planet for future generations. Considering the numerous costs of a wind turbine outlined in this article, the benefit of preserving humanity’s future far outweighs them.

There are many questions to answer before you decide on a clean energy choice that’s right for you. Here you’ll find the latest information on:

1. Types of solar and wind energy systems available for home use
2. Comparative costs for solar and wind residential energy setups
3. Electrical power output for solar arrays vs. wind turbines
4. Government incentives like tax rebates or credits for renewable energy purchases by homeowners
5. End-of-life recycling of spent solar panels or wind turbines

For property owners, the good news is that solar and wind power costs have plummeted in the past several years. An added bonus is that their efficiencies in converting carbon-free solar or wind energy to usable electricity for your home are getting higher all the time. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump on the green energy wave.

What are the key differences between solar and wind energy?

While it’s true that both solar and wind power are renewable, do not create toxic emissions during operation, or contribute to climate change like fossil fuel burning, there are a few significant differences between them.

Here’s a short video by Constellation Energy that summarizes many of the key differences between solar vs. wind energy. 

To easily compare them, consider the following table based on the video:

5 Things to consider when deciding between solar and wind

Consider the following 5 important factors will help you decide whether solar or wind is better suited for a certain need.

1. What is a residential solar energy vs. wind energy system?

Homeowners have many options for solar and wind energy systems. Solar arrays are usually placed on homes’ roofs or, less frequently, mounted on the ground. Wind turbines are often placed in isolated fields or large yards, while smaller micro-turbines may be positioned on top of buildings.

In the solar world, there are now panels with two-sided photovoltaic cells (bifacials). Solar shingles and setups that track the sun during the day are also on the market.

The large majority of solar panels are made of mono- or polycrystalline silicon. The hardware used to mount the arrays is usually metal.

Wind turbines often have 2 or 3 blades made of fiberglass or plastic. The most popular style is one that rotates on a horizontal axis, although vertical-axis models that resemble an “S” or an eggbeater are available. The turbines are located on towers, usually made of steel, which may be free-standing or guyed. A guyed tower is held stationary by numerous guy wires. 

2. How much does a home solar vs. wind energy system cost?

While there is no precise answer to this question because of all the variables involved, especially the size of your home energy system, solar systems cost approximately $18,000 (before tax credits) for a 6 kW system. An installation of this size meets the energy needs of an “average” home (approximately 1,500 square feet). This value includes materials and labor as well as any necessary permits. 

Solar requires very little maintenance, although annual cleaning is recommended to control dust and dirt buildup, which will decrease the energy efficiency of your photovoltaic cells.

On the other hand, wind turbines cost more, averaging $60,000 for a 6 kW system, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Energy. Due to their moving parts, regular maintenance is needed to keep the turbines working efficiently in generating electricity.

However, DIYers can create their own renewable energy structures for a lot less. You may wish to heat a pool or run a sailboat or RV with a small solar array or wind microturbine. 

3. How large of a solar vs. wind energy system do you need?

The answer of the optimal size for a renewable energy installation at your home depends on your unique situation. Fortunately, there are several online guides and tools available to help you determine your home’s energy usage. This value is the baseline number needed to determine the size of a clean energy project that’s right for your home.

The second part of the equation is to assess how much solar or wind potential your location has. For example, if you live in an area that gets little sun or practically no wind, you need to adjust accordingly. 

There are many mapping services that reveal your home’s solar energy potential. For your wind potential, start with this guide. 

4. Are there any government tax breaks or other savings for installing a home solar vs. wind energy project?

Yes, local, state, and/or federal governments offer various programs that save you money on your home green energy project. Besides these, companies and utilities may offer further reductions for making a solar or wind energy investment. 

For instance, until the end of 2020, the United States federal government is offering 26% off of the total cost of your home solar or wind project. The amount drops to 22% until the end of 2021. Some states may give a further rebate for clean energy home projects.

Besides these financial incentives to adopt home solar or wind, there are monthly savings on your electric bill (if you’re connected to the electric grid) that vary widely from place to place and which are dependent on the type of renewable energy system(s) you have. 

These savings contribute to reducing the payback time (that is, the moment when your system begins to make money for you after paying for itself). Today for solar, the payback — also called a return on investment or ROI — is about 10 years (depending on your system). For wind, it is 10-15 years.

Utilities that need to demonstrate by law that they’re producing a certain quantity of renewable energy may elect to “buy” your home’s output. You then receive monthly dividends, called solar renewable energy certificates, on a solar or wind energy stock exchange. This money is a form of passive income that is taxable.

Lastly, some utilities offer net metering where they will buy back from you any “extra” energy you produce that you do not consume. If you have a battery backup, you can reserve all of the energy your system produces for times when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. 

5. Can solar panels or wind turbines be recycled after they are retired?

Recycling of used solar panels or wind turbines is a new industry that requires technologies still in their infancies. However, it is very possible to recycle most of their component materials. 

Since the early 2000s when PV panels were first installed on homes, there really hasn’t been a need to recycle them given their typically 25-year warranty. The need will become more pronounced in the next decade or two and there’s every reason to believe that industry will meet the need. The same can be said about wind turbines.

Solar vs. Wind Energy at Home Wrap Up

Consumers who wish to reduce their carbon footprint by installing a solar and/or wind home energy system have several options. None is “better” than the others in all cases. 

It may be possible to benefit from the best of what solar and wind have to offer by installing both. Participating in community solar or wind programs to complement your installed system is another alternative.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, homeowners now have every reason to install solar and/or wind power to meet all of their home energy needs.

For these small home wind generators, they can be installed anywhere on your property and can help you cover either part or your entire energy needs.

We think the best option for most people is the Automaxx Windmill DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit.

Here, we are going to look at 13 of the best home wind generators and turbines that can help transform your energy bills.

TOP PICK

Automaxx DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit

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13 Best Home Wind Turbines Reviewed in 2025

Here is a list of the various home wind turbines that can help you save on electricity and go completely off the grid.

1. Best Overall – Automaxx Windmill DB-400 400W 12V Wind Turbine Generator Kit

This 400W 12V wind turbine generator kit from Automaxx has been designed for both land a marine use. The automatic braking system protects the system from high wind speeds.

You are also protected against salt water corrosion with a UV protection coating.

The windmill is well packaged and comes with straight forward installation instructions. Components are well built and made from high quality materials including stainless steel bolts and nuts.

It does take a decent gust of wind to get started. Sometimes a gentle breeze will not be enough to start the turbine (although it can keep it spinning once started).

You’ll need to find your own mounting poles, although the instructions do provide enough information so you can find the right gear at a hardware store.

2. Runner Up – Tumo-Int 1000W 3Blades Wind Turbine with Wind Boosting Controller (24V) by Tumo-Int

This home wind turbine is ideal for residential use and works well in areas with low wind speeds. The product is one of the best home wind generators available in the market. Using patented turbine blades that come in a twisted aerodynamic design, ensures optimum wind power generation.

The key features of this product include:

• A 1000 Watts wind turbine generator kit.
• Low wind speed demand: It requires low wind speeds to operate and generate vast amounts of energy with minimal noise.
• The complete package of this product contains generators, controllers, blades, bolts, screws, and a nose cone.
• A Permanent magnetic three-phase AC generator.
• Simple installation, and includes a one-year maintenance warranty.

3. Best Budget Choice – Happybuy Wind Turbine Generator 400W DC 12V

This home windmill is a great product that has the following specifications:

• • Main parameter -“Model: NE-700M4, max wattage: 720W, Rated Wattage: 700W, rated voltage: dc 24v, rated wind speed: 36. 1 ft/s, starting wind speed: 8. 2 ft/s; safe wind speed: 147. 6 ft/s”
  • Engine net weight is 46. 3 lbs; several blades: 3; wind wheel diameter: 6. 07 ft; blade material: nylon fiber; 3 phase AC PMG generator; Electromagnetic braking method; and auto adjusts wind direction.
  • Performance -3Phase AC PMG with a permanent, low torque magnet generator and a microprocessor with high-power tracking intelligence.
  • Dual-bearing fixed – this makes the fan movement more stable, producing minimum noise and vibration.
    The wind turbine is covered using a unique process which makes it resistant to corrosion and oxidation under any weather condition.

4. Primus Wind Power 1-AR40-10-12 Air 40 Wind Turbine 12V by AIR40 by Primus Wind Power

The Primus Air 40 Wind Turbine is among the best residential wind turbines for sale in the market, and that offers the following features to suit your energy needs.

• An advanced microprocessor technology ensures more exceptional performance, as well as high wind protection with no mechanical braking.
• Durable blades that are built to operate with minimal noise and optimal wind energy capture in almost all wind speeds.
• A lightweight design that is simple-to-install, and has an integrated controller used for plug-and-play operation.
• The wind generator can produce 40 kWh of energy/month and can generate energy in a wide array of wind speeds.
• Pairs with solar PV for redundant energy production year-round.

5. GOWE 3KW Grid Tie Wind Turbine Generator by GOWE

If you need to generate a serious amount of power, ths 3KW wind turbine from GOWE is a good option

The generator system comes as a package that includes one 3KW wind turbine, one 3KW grid tie controller, and a 3KW grid tie inverter.

When making your order, you should always indicate your voltage, for instance, 110V/220V, 50HZ/60HZ.

6. 2000Watt 11 Blade Missouri General Freedom II by Missouri Wind and Solar

Made in America, Missouri General Freedom 11 Blade Turbine is one of the great choices you can make when purchasing a home windmill.

The turbine is mostly built with weather-resistant components while the blades are made of carbon fiber.

Other main features include:

• Raptor carbon fiber blades that can withstand wind speeds of 125 mph, with a lifetime guarantee of non-breakage in normal usage.
• Completely hot metal components dipped galvanized, and zinc plated hub. This ensures there is no rust and eliminates the need to paint or unique coat for 50 years of regular operation.
• The wind turbine includes a permanent magnet generator that has an inbuilt 28 rare earth magnet rotor, and a skewed stator core to facilitate easy turning. It guarantees a max output of 2000 watts.
• The Missouri Freedom II Wind Turbine has a 6mph cut-in speed with NO COGGING!
• Every Freedom PMG rotor has twice the amount of copper that is in any Delco style PMA. The more the amount of copper, the more the power.
• It is offered in two colors, black and grey.

7. Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine Generator kit by Automaxx

The complete package of Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V comes with an MPPT charge controller, manual and automatic braking system as well as an Amp meter.

Other features of this wind power kit also include:

• A cohesive automated braking system helps safeguard it from abrupt and high speeds of wind. Also, it offers simple DIY installation procedures inclusive of all materials. The windmill can also be used together with solar panels.
• The package also includes a maximum power point tracking, and it is built with a high-grade Polypropylene & Glass Fiber material that has a weather-resistant seal.
• The product consists of protection features like UV protection coating, protection against unexpected wind gust and voltage surge, high wind speeds, and battery overcharging.
• Various specifications such as 1500W rated power rated speed of 46 ft/s, 24V Voltage system, and 5.6mph cut-in wind speed. Also, it offers a 200A battery capacity or more, three blades, 5.6 ft Rotor diameter, and Weight: 33 lb.
• The kit includes one centerpiece (Generator), one Tail Piece, one MPPT Charge Controller, three Blades, 1 Nose cone, Amp meter display box, 1 Manual brake switch, Locking nuts, Spacers, Hex Screws, Hex keys and one operational installation manual.
• One-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Automaxx Windmill 1500W 24V is undeniably a great option when searching for the best wind turbine for home use.

8. ISTABREEZE Set 1.5kW, 24V Windsafe by ISTABREEZE

The main components of the home wind turbine kit include a wind generator and a Hybrid Charger Controller.

The product also includes other multiple features such as:

• System Voltage of 24V
• A warranty period of 2 years and it’s considered the world’s best-selling brand
• Generator: 3phase AC PMG, aluminum material, Working temperature from -40℃ to 80℃
• Special protection: a wind generator rated capacity of 1500W, upward tilting during a storm, and 24V system voltage.
• A Wind Mill Blade is built of plastic and 30% glass fibers. The blade is 107 cm, and noise is 40dB

9. Windmax HY400 500 Watt by WindMax

Whether it’s on the strong or mild wind, this is a right wind turbine for you. It is a well-built home windmill that will give you superior performance due to its cutting-edge features.

As per the manufacturers, the product comes with the following features:

• 5-Blade Wind Generator Kit with a max voltage of 12V
• 500 Watt Max/400 Watt Rated
• Pole not included
• The wind turbine kit consists of a generator, controller, blades, and screws/bolts
• The product is maintenance-free
• Offers higher energy production yield even at low wind speeds.
• Low wind turbine ownership cost (great for starters)

10. MarsRock Small Wind Turbine Generator by Marsrock

The 400W economy windmill qualifies to be among the best home wind turbine kits, due to its extensive features. This product is ideal for a hybrid wind and solar system, and includes the following:

• Can operate at low wind speed with maximum energy utilization, low vibration, attractive appearance;
• A friendly design which is easy to install, maintenance, and repair.
• Start wind speed of 2m/s
• Three aerodynamically tapered blades that produce 400Watt, 12Volt.
• Exact injection binding blades together with the enhanced model of aerodynamic contour. The structure and the blades have various advantages, including high exploitation of wind energy.
• Generators, permanent magnet rotor alternator that has a special stator design to reduce resistance torque efficiently.
• Size: 70cm x 30cm x 25cm (27.56in x 11.81in x 9.84in);
• Weight: 10.0kg (22.05lb.)

11. GOWE Grid tie 800W Wind Turbine Generator by Gowe

This fantastic product comes as a complete package consisting of:

• 2pcs of 400W wind turbine inclusive of grid tie controller, and 2pcs of waterproof grid tie inverter.
• Note: For a 22V grid, it is ideal to use a set of at most six inverters while in 110V grid, a set of 4 inverters at most can be used. The inverter package comprises of a microgrid inverter, user manual, single pouch of screws and a Warranty card.
• LED Lamp Indication and operation: Green LED is the operation indicator and flashes at fast, while the red LED is the failure indicator and flashes slowly. The blue LED is the MPPT indicator, which also flashes slowly.
• The number of times the red LED flashes indicates specific failures such as; Single Flashing for undervoltage/overvoltage input while double flashing means power grid under-frequency/over-frequency. Additionally, triple flashing stands for power grid undervoltage/overvoltage, flashing for four times indicates output overcurrent while 5X flashing means input overcurrent.
• Flashing 6 Times indicates high-temperature protection, 7X flashing 7 PWM driving undervoltage/overvoltage while flashing 8 Times shows undervoltage/overvoltage in internal voltage reference. If the red LED flashes for nine times, it shows sensor bias current error, while ten times signifies hardware zero passage failure detection.
  Nevertheless, it is good to note that all these operations can only be undertaken if the power grid is connected. GOWE Grid tie 800W is available on Amazon.

12. ECO-WORTHY 1200 Watts Solar Wind Turbine Generator Power Kit

With this home wind turbine, you can generate power, both from wind energy as well as solar energy. The product includes two solar panels which can be used to create solar power when the wind is slow, and the sun is optimal.

Each solar panel is 12V, making 24V for both. Although the panels don’t work at night, the system stores the power generated during the day in batteries. Read more about Eco-Worthy solar panels.

Key features include:

• A hybrid controller which is 12v/24v autodetect. To install, you should first connect your battery to the controller, then link the wind turbine and the solar panel with the controller.
• Controller connection: The red wire is positive in all connections; the black cable connects to the battery negative while the green ones connect to the wind turbine. Also, the blue wire, on the other hand, connects with the solar negative while the yellow one connects with the 12V/24V DC devices.
• The system lacks a pole, and therefore you should purchase one. A pole of 4.5m-10m high, 7.4cm – out diameter and 5.3cm – inner diameter is ideal.

13. Popsport Wind Generator 400W Hybrid Wind Turbine Generator

For those who have been craving for a noiseless home wind turbine, then this is the best wind turbine for you. The 400W hybrid turbine produces minimal vibrations, which in turn reduces the amount of noise.

Its distinctive features include:

• Operational in as low as 2.5m/s start-up wind speeds
• 400W rated wind generator power; rated Voltage of DC27-54V, DC12V Battery Voltage, and three blades.
• 12m/s rated wind speed, or 800r/min(rpm)
• Hybrid system with solar a panel with high light power utilization
• A permanent magnet generator that has a special stator.
• Ideal for homes, green windmill, or businesses.

What is a Home Wind Turbine?

As the world is putting in more and more efforts to change to renewable sources of energy, wind energy is one of the primary targeted sources. With more research advocating for the use of clean energy to preserve the environment, wind energy will play a significant role.

Home wind energy can come in handy for homeowners who are looking to produce power for their homes and live more of an off-grid lifestyle.

Although a large section of wind farms target to power multiple users such as a community or a town, smaller home wind turbine kits also exist.

These small turbines can be used by individuals to generate electricity for their homes, cabins or businesses. Some can also be used for marine perposes. Although not as popular as solar power, wind energy can still provide enough power, especially in areas with strong winds.

Typically, an average household will require a 5kW home wind turbine to meet all their energy requirements.

Nevertheless, the efficiency of the wind turbine will significantly depend on the strength of the wind in your area.

A home wind turbine is a device that is used to convert the kinetic energy from the wind to electricity.

The turbine acts as a generator and produces clean power from wind energy, that is decarbonized or free from emissions.

A home wind turbine can be a great addition to your existing solar setup, allowing you to continue to generate some power during the night. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Home Wind Turbine

Before you purchase and install your home wind turbine, there are several essential things that you should consider. Here are a few necessary things that you should determine before the purchase:

How much energy do you need?

Having a clear data on the exact amount of energy your home require is vital. It enables you to know which is the best residential wind turbine to suit your power needs.

The amount of wind in your area

By determining the amount and speeds of the wind around your location, you can quickly know the size and type of the turbine you need. Since different home wind turbines have various power generating capacities, you can decide which is the best for you.

The speed of the wind will determine the turbine to buy, as the start-up wind speeds in different turbines also vary.

Research on current local zoning laws

You should find out any local regulations that may affect or hinder you from installing that turbine.

For instance, in some communities, the installation of wind turbines may be prohibited.

Check the Certification

You should also make sure that the home wind turbine you want to buy is certified. Certification is by the Small Wind Certification Council, which is a body that is tasked with ensuring that manufacturers only bring quality wind turbines in the market.

After undertaking these crucial steps, you can now go ahead and purchase your home wind turbine.

Conclusion on Using Home Wind Energy

Finding a reliable alternative source of power for your home can be a mind-boggling task. I believe this piece on home wind turbines has shed more light on wind energy production as well as the various turbines you can buy.

For most people we recommend the ECO-WORTHY 400 Watt Wind Turbine Generator with 12V/24V 20A Hybrid Charge Controller.

Before you buy, you can also determine how many turbines you need with our wind turbine calculator.

Which home wind turbine do you think is best for your house? Please let us know in the comments below.

Onshore vs. Offshore Wind: What Are the Differences and Facts?

The wind is a natural source of energy and, one of the most reliable ones. As long as there is wind, it means that we have a source of renewable power. Therefore, today, we will focus on onshore vs. offshore wind, to help us understand what their difference is and which one is best for wind power harvesting.

As more effort is being put to increase the use of renewable energy sources, as well as finding ways to preserve our environment, wind plays a major role. The wind energy industry has again and again proven to be a significant player in offering energy to many people.

Since the first onshore wind turbine was built in the late 1800s, up to the time when offshore harvesting was established in 1992, much development has taken place in this industry.

However, there is still much to do if we want to see this industry grow and to supply electricity to even more people.

But firstly, let see the definitions of onshore vs. offshore wind, to understand the distinction.

Onshore vs Offshore Wind

Onshore wind is the one that blows from the sea towards the land. On the other hand, offshore wind is the type of wind that blows from the land towards the sea.

The winds usually occur due to differences in pressure, in the atmosphere. For example, when there exists a difference in pressure within the atmosphere, air will shift from areas with higher pressure to areas with lower pressure. This, in return, results in the creation of winds at various speeds.

These effects are what takes place during the sea breeze and land breeze. For instance, if the atmospheric pressure is high, and with a clear sky, the land warms up in the daytime and gets cold by nighttime. The result of this is that wind will blow from the sea at daytime towards the land, while at night, it will blow from the land towards the sea.

Since our planet is also in constant rotation, the Coriolis effect also deflects the air. The deflection can take place in any part of the globe with the exception of places on the equator.

Wind Power Harvesting

For the longest time, onshore wind turbines have been dominant in the wind power harvesting process. This is because the offshore turbines were just introduced almost a century later in 1992, with the first offshore wind farm being set up in Denmark.

The introduction of offshore turbines was a result of necessity which was brought about by the effect we refer to as wind shadow. This occurs when turbines reduce the wind’s strength as it travels downstream. Therefore, there was a need to find an alternative source of stronger winds, and offshore winds became a target.

The winds out in the ocean are much stronger and consistent that the winds on land. This made it necessary to improve the wind turbines technology and use it in the ocean where they can produce more power. Many more countries now make use of offshore wind farms since its initial introduction in Denmark.

However, although numerous nations have embraced the use of offshore technology, most of the offshore farms are still found in Europe. Based on a report by Global Wind statistics in 2014, Europe holds around 90% of these offshore wind farms.

In the United States, onshore wind energy is more prevalent in the Midwest region of the US. On the other hand, offshore wind energy has become more dominant in the coastal states of the US.

Use our wind turbine calculator to determine the power of a each turbine and how many turbines you would need for a particular project.

And, although many may assume that when looking at onshore vs. offshore wind, the difference is only in where we set up the turbines, there is much more than that. The two types of wind power sources are different in multiple ways, with each having their own pros and cons.

Onshore Wind Overview

How Onshore Wind Energy Works

Just as the name goes, wind energy is energy that results from the transformation of air currents, into electricity. To utilize the wind that blows over the land, we must build wind farms that can extract optimum power from the wind. Wind farms found on the land are what we refer to as onshore wind farms.

To enable this, the wind farms consist of large wind turbines that will help to transform the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. This is how an onshore wind turbine works to produce electricity.

• The first step in this process is where the wind makes the blades of the turbine to rotate. These blades connect to the turbines through a hub.
• The blades, together with the blades, rotate at a similar speed of seven to twelve turns every minute.
• A gearbox, on the other hand, increases this speed to over 100 times. From there, it also transforms the speed into a high-speed shaft.
• With a speed of over 1500 revolutions every minute, this high-speed shaft transmits the speed to a generator.
• When this speed gets into the generator, the generator works to convert the mechanical power from the shaft into electrical power.
• Since the power is in a direct current form, a converter then transforms this DC into AC.
• From there, a transformer then increases the voltage to between 20 and 66 kV, which makes it possible to transmit this current through the onshore wind farm.
• The next step is to transport the electricity through medium voltage cables and take it to a substation.
• After reaching the substation, the energy is again transformed into a high-voltage current of +132 kV.
• From here, an evacuation line transports the electricity to the distribution network, which in turn carries it to the consumption points (homes).

Pros of Onshore Wind Energy

• Since onshore wind energy has been in use for the longest time, people have grown more familiar with it. For this reason, many nations still prefer to use onshore wind energy. For example, even Denmark, which established the first offshore turbines, still get the majority of their wind power from onshore farms (75% of their total wind energy).
• In terms of cost, the infrastructure necessary for electricity transmission in onshore is significantly cheaper than that in offshore turbines. Due to the affordable cost, offering the power to the consumers is also cheap, which makes it a more popular source of renewable power.
• Companies producing onshore turbines are located in the land, and therefore, if wind farms are set up near the companies, it can be economical. These companies will also boost the economies of the areas they are situated at.
• There will be fewer emissions as a result of transporting the wind structures in onshore farms. This is because most farms can be set up near the manufacturing companies.
• Onshore wind, in most cases, will attract investment in the area. This is because various projects will be started near the wind farm, which will, in turn, create a chain of other businesses.
• Onshore wind is a source of renewable energy, and unlike many other power generation plants, this one doesn’t consume water.
• The onshore wind turbines have minimal maintenance costs.

Cons of Onshore Wind

• The speeds of onshore wind are unpredictable, more than in offshore. The inconsistencies in the wind speeds will cause inefficiency with the turbines, especially when the speeds are too low, or even too fast.
• Not only does onshore wind differ in speeds, but the directions also vary more often. For the turbines to function efficiently, they should face the direction of the wind. If the direction keeps on changing, it will negatively affect the efficiency of the turbines.
• Some people work against the growth of onshore wind farms claiming they are a danger to birds, or that they are a noise nuisance. However, there is little or no evidence to support these claims.
• They generate lesser energy than their offshore counterparts. For example, an average onshore wind turbine produces around 2.5 to 3 megawatts while an offshore one produces an average of 3.6 megawatts.

Offshore Wind Overview

This type of wind harvesting came into existence nearly 100 years after the invention of onshore wind energy. For this reason, technology is yet to gain as much popularity as its predecessor.

However, after their first establishment in Denmark, multiple other nations have made significant strides towards its development.

How Offshore Wind Energy Works

Wind harvesting here is done through erecting offshore wind turbines deep into the ocean. The process is as follows:

The initials steps of offshore wind energy, are similar to the ones of the onshore wind energy. The differences arise almost in the middle of the process.

• The first step in this process is where the wind makes the blades of the turbine to rotate. These blades connect to the turbines through a hub.
• The blades, together with the blades, rotate at a similar speed of seven to twelve turns every minute.
• A gearbox, on the other hand, increases this speed to over 100 times. From there, it also transforms the speed into a high-speed shaft.
• With a speed of over 1500 revolutions every minute, this high-speed shaft transmits the speed to a generator.
• When this speed gets into the generator, the generator works to convert the mechanical power into electrical power.
• From here, the electricity generated is taken down using the interior of the tower.
• Since the power is in a direct current form, a converter then transforms this DC into AC.
• After the conversion into alternating current, a transformer increases the voltage to between 33 kV and 66 kV, to enable transportation across the offshore wind farm.
• The electricity is then carried to a substation, by the use of underwater cables.
• After it reaches the substation, this electricity is again transformed into a high-voltage current of over 150 kV.
• The last step is to transport the electricity through a distribution network up to the consumers’ homes.

To better comprehend the topic on onshore vs. offshore wind turbines, here are some advantages and disadvantages of offshore wind.

Pros of Offshore Wind

• Offshore wind turbines have proven to be more efficient as compared to the onshore turbines. This is because the speed of these winds is high, and they are consistent in terms of direction. For this reason, you will require fewer turbines to produce the same capacity of energy than through onshore turbines.
• Offshore wind turbines are far away into the ocean. This means that they don’t cause any disruption in human activities. They are miles away from the coast, such that you can’t see them, leave alone feel their existence.
• They don’t interfere in any way with the land as they are set up far away from coastlines.
• The offshore wind farms can, in some instances, help to protect the inhabitants of that area (marine life). Since they restrict access to areas where they are set up, they tend to protect the marine ecosystem around.
• Just like with the onshore wind farms, they are a source of renewable energy. Also, they do not use up water like other power plants, and they provide job opportunities.

Cons of Offshore Wind

• Although the turbines are more efficient, the process through which the electricity reaches the land and to the public is expensive. The necessary technology for the transportation of electricity from the turbines is way costly than in onshore turbines.
• Due to strong winds and waves, the offshore turbines have to endure more wear and tear. The result of this is a high cost of maintenance which continues to increase the gap between offshore and onshore wind costs.
• Because offshore turbines are harder to get to, it could take longer to fix problems and restore them to function properly.
• Unlike in other new energy developments which through Renewable energy cooperatives, minor-town citizens can invest in, offshore farms don’t allow.
• Although not necessarily a disadvantage, the effects the offshore wind farms have on marine life, as well as birds are not comprehensively understood. This brings uncertainty on whether the project is the better option.
• When we build offshore wind farms near to the coastline even up to 26 miles, they might be visible from the coast. This may affect tourism and other activities. They may be unpopular to investors which may affect the property prices of the area.

These pros and cons helps to bring more clarity on the issue of onshore vs. offshore wind. we cannot understand the two concepts without looking at their strong points, as well as their weak points.

Conclusion On Onshore Vs. Offshore Wind

From the much research done to come up with this article, it’s evident that onshore wind energy is still widely used than the offshore wind. Even with the numerous advantages that come with offshore wind, onshore is still the preferred choice. I hope that from this article about onshore vs. offshore wind, you can clearly see the distinction between the two.

Which of the two methods of harnessing wind power do you think is best?

Related Resources

• Pros and Cons about Tidal Wave Energy
• Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Power
• 10 Biggest Pros and Cons of Nonrenewable Energy Sources

Green Coast is a renewable energy community solely focused on helping people better understand renewable energy technologies and the environment.

Here are some of the key advantages of wind energy. 

The Advantages Of Wind Energy

There are practically unlimited advantages associated with using windmills or wind turbines to capture wind energy.

The idea of using wind power is nothing new. After all, people have been sailing and using windmills for centuries. Even the process of using the wind to generate electricity is a relatively old concept, with its origins dating back to World War II.

What has changed, however, is the technology that is used to harness wind energy. From a technological standpoint, wind power is extremely advanced. In terms of renewable energy, it is one of the most practical and effective solutions.

From an engineering standpoint, few modern structures rival windmills. Today’s wind turbines are designed to transform energy from the wind into usable electricity in a way that is extremely energy-efficient.

  This is why there are numerous large projects – look at this one from Fircroft.

Why is wind power so important?

For one thing, the wind is a never-ending resource and is something that Britain has in abundance. It can be used to create energy without contributing to pollution.

It is also something that will never run out. Its benefits revolve around the fact that it is an eternal energy source that is extremely environmentally friendly and that has an unlimited supply.

You can see the power of the wind in action in modern-day wind parks. The giant wind turbines in these parks are significantly reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the air by homes and businesses throughout the country.

This eco-friendly energy source has done wonders for reducing the entire country’s environmental impact.

The environmental benefits are only the beginning. Wind power offers Britain the chance to generate energy independently without having to rely on outside resources.

As a result, there is no need to import oil or other fossil fuels from elsewhere. Instead, we can use the wind that is right in our own backyard to create the power that we need.

If you are interested in learning more about how Britain is using wind energy to become energy independent, be sure to read the Energy Independence section of the site.

Renewable energy is on the rise throughout all of Europe. In fact, a 2016 study found that just under 90% of the new power generated throughout Europe was created through renewable sources.

Wind energy finally eclipsed coal in terms of its power capacity throughout the EU.

The switch to wind energy is already well underway. With continued support from world governments, the shift to clean energy sources is likely to continue far into the future.

Wind energy is a lot different from biomass.

What are some of your favorite advantages of wind energy? Please let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear you.