If your one of the many homeowners who tear their hair out each month when the electric bill arrives, you've probably thought of the advantages you'd enjoy if you'd build a wind power generator to provide a portion of your home's electric needs. If you've priced some of the commercially available systems on the market, you've probably considered your initial thought as a foolhardy idea. That's not true, however. You can learn how to build a wind power generator, and do it yourself without emptying the retirement fund. If you have a little mechanical talent, some basic tools, a few components, and some free time on weekends, you can build a wind power generator, a basic one, for about $200. Don't expect this basic system to supply all of your household's needs. It's just a beginning, and will start saving money right away.

Don't jump into a wind power building project until you investigated to find out if you have enough of the most important component - the wind! Check the average wind speed in your area. The local weather bureau or TV weatherman should be able to give you that information. An average wind speed of no less than ten miles per hour is required. It that's not the case, perhaps you should consider solar power as an alternative.

Once your satisfactorily determined that your local wind speed is adequate, you'll need to begin acquiring the necessary parts, major components, and accessories that you will be modifying and assembling. This is where a good do-it-yourself step-by-step instruction guide will be valuable. Some of the components that you will need include a storage battery, a tower, a body, and a motor that will serve as the electrical generator.

The description of those parts is obviously vague, but your instruction guide will have specific detailed information to keep you on the right path. Most of the components needed to build a wind powered generator can be found at your local building supply store or from Internet sources. If you're lucky, you may be able to find a motor at your local salvage yard. Take your time acquiring these components. Saving money is the name of the game.

After a few weekends of effort, you'll look on with pride at your first shot at removing your home from the clutches of the electric power company. You'll begin generating a portion of your home's electrical power, saving money, and using electric power that clean and grteen.