Affordable Wind Turbines » Affordable Wind Turbines Blog
By: john heath | August 18, 2020
Gabriel Beltran moved from Uruguay to Miami with the dream of making it big as a drummer.
Five years ago, he was struggling to pay his rent and living on his girlfriend's student loan.
Then he made over $20m (£15m) through a little-known online retail technique: dropshipping.
And in bedrooms around the world other savvy individuals are getting rich the same way.
The sellers never see their products. They typically remain completely anonymous. And their marketing reaches hundreds of millions of people.
The process is simple: the dropshipper goes to an online Chinese marketplace and identifies a cheap product.
The seller sets up a flashy website, suggesting the product is made in the US or Europe, and adds a huge mark-up.
The dropshipper uses social media for promotion, often paying influencers to add legitimacy.
When an order is received, the seller collects the customer's money, and only then do they buy the product.
Finally, the product is shipped directly to the customer from China.
In practice, the vendors act as virtual middlemen or women.
All this is legal and often done well.
But the anonymity it confers means there is also abuse. The sale of counterfeit products is commonplace, and customers often don't receive their orders.
Gabriel started off selling fake NFL products and made $50,000 in just one month. He says he hasn't sold knock-off products since.
''Stores come and go, and they literally steal money from people," he told the BBC.
"Those stores make millions of dollars within a month and then disappear and don't even ship a product.''
Sometimes the goods aren't actual counterfeits, but may still infringe the intellectual property rights of the tech firms whose designs have, in effect, been cloned, even though the product is sold under a different brand and uses its own packaging.
Kevin David is a dropshipper who doesn't engage in the sale of such goods. But he says some of his friends have made ''hundreds of thousands a month selling knock-off AirPods''.
''It's very easy to take the moral high ground, but if a lot of people had the skillset and were making tens of thousands of dollars profit a day, then they would probably think pretty differently," he says.
Dropshipping is not new, but the rise of social media celebrities has supercharged the model.
Sellers previously marketed their products via eBay and/or Facebook adverts. But the boom in ''influencer marketing'' has given them access to many more credulous customers.
Sarah, who asked us not to use her full name, worked for a dropshipping operation called Magnetic SL, which sells products that feature its own brand.
She told BBC Click that it paid Kourtney Kardashian - who has close to 100 million Instagram followers - €170,000 ($203,000, £156,000) to promote fake eyelashes and other beauty products and made the investment back many times over.
''Influencer marketing is nowadays enough to create the image of a strong and influential brand,'' she explained.
''People think you have to be an internationally renowned brand to engage influencers like Kourtney Kardashian, but that's completely false. Influencers who care about the quality of product they promote are rare, or even non-existent.''
Magnetic SL has attracted more than 1,000 complaints online. They include stories of the product not being delivered, or taking months to arrive.
However, there is an equal number of glowing reviews.
Sarah told BBC Click that the dropshippers she worked for had flooded Trustpilot, a major consumer review website, with bogus posts.
''Almost 70% of their total customers wrote one-star reviews… so basically, they just bought fake reviews [to counteract them] and created fake accounts in order to make fake reviews.''
Glenn Manoff, Trustpilot's chief communications officer, says it is aware of Magnetic SL's practices and has added a warning banner to the firm's page.
''Consumers can see that we have total transparency on the platform and can see how many reviews are being flagged.''
BBC Click emailed Kourtney Kardashian's representatives informing them of the company's practices and highlighting the complaints. Ms Kardashian declined to comment, and her promotional video is still live on the dropshipper's Instagram page.
Magnetic SL did not reply to the accusations put to them.
Influencer marketing isn't just the preserve of celebrities.
Thousands of lesser-known influencers have also become involved in dropshipping paid promotions.
The vast majority are "sole traders" and can make a living with just a hundred thousand followers, a relatively modest number.
And the mix of closed High Street stores and people stuck at home during the coronavirus lockdowns has benefited the trade.
Charli Paton, manager of influencer Zara McDermott, told BBC Click that her email inbox is flooded with offers from dropshippers asking her client to promote what she believes to be knock-off goods.
''I think these companies prey on the fact that influencers and management companies don't always do their due diligence," she says.
Under such circumstances, it can be a case of buyer beware.
''Anybody can source products online with a degree of anonymity, quickly sell a whole bunch of dangerous or counterfeit products and then exit the system," says Mike Andrews, from the UK's National Trading Standards eCrimes team.
Until recently, Metisha Schafer sold knock-off Apple products. Her customers often complained they didn't work.
She has since reimbursed every follower who got in touch.
''There are a lot of 'scammy' companies, but honestly, I haven't experienced anything like this before the pandemic," she says.
''It was my responsibility to make sure this company was legit and I didn't do it.
"People get angry because they ask why people like us actually do this kind of promotion without looking into it. And they're totally right.''
Alternative energy is quickly growing in interest for homeowners, so we’ve selected the best home wind turbines out of 6 made in china home wind turbines currently available on the market that span our American business online . With living expenses on the rise, more homeowners are looking to cut costs.
Generating your own electricity is an easy way of cutting your electric bill in half. While solar energy is generally the go-to eco-friendly option, wind power is a great solution for those living in areas with reliable wind speeds.
Whether you’re living in a rural area and don’t have access to an electric grid or are living in a suburb and looking to reduce your utility bill, home wind turbines are a great solution. All that’s required is a little know-how, some land and a high voltage battery bank. For around $800, you can buy yourself a mid-range home wind turbine that can comfortably meet your needs.
As the top-rated home wind turbine on our list, the Windmill 1500 W kit packs a real punch. With a host of features and a sturdy, durable casing, the turbine offers homeowners an opportunity to cut down on their electric bill and non-renewable energy consumption.
Overall, the Windmill 1500W is more expensive than other models on the market, but it makes up for it in value. The built-in charge controller, high energy output and relatively light-weight design are all money-saving opportunities for homeowners who are new to the wind turbine scene.
Some reviewers have encountered issues with the construction of the blades. However, the manufacturer’s customer service is stellar and they are willing and able to replace all defective units, no questions asked.
On top of that, buyers report that the turbine is completely silent and makes no noise, even on windy days. This is a great selling point for homeowners who are looking to install their turbines in a more densely populated area or near their house.
The 3-blade turbine is high-quality glass fiber with UV protection coating. It is designed to operate at full capacity with 31 mph wind speeds.
The cut-in wind speed is 5.6 mph, meaning this turbine is best for moderately windy areas. And if the turbine encounters high wind gusts or surges, the automatic braking system can quickly correct and prevent over-charging of the battery.
The 24V system has a suggested battery capacity of 200A or higher, and is capable of powering small, off-the-grid home systems. While the 1500W energy output isn’t designed to meet an entire household’s consumption needs, it can easily be paired with a solar array. This offers great flexibility for homeowners looking to go completely green and reduce their reliance on city grids.
The turbine’s generator also comes equipped with a built-in MPPT charge controller. The integrated system does not require extra bells and whistles and is completely stand alone, minus the battery. Should any parts malfunction, Windmill offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The long and spindly Tumo-Int wind turbine kit appears at first glance like a small-scale industrial wind turbine. Its white, 3-blade turbine comes with a 1000W generator that can charge a 48V battery bank, which is an impressive feat for a residential wind turbine.
The price is reasonable for such a turbine, although you can find higher wattages for cheaper in other brands. And although the entire unit clocks in at a hefty 77 lbs., the turbine is effectively silent and produces no noise.
Overall, reviewers are happy with the Tumo-Int wind turbine. Its abilities outmatch other models on the market and is reliable and efficient. One experienced buyer has used them to replace their old standard Southwest wind power turbines in the Rocky Mountains.
Future buyers should be cautious of the installation, however. The process is tough if you aren’t an accomplished DIYer, and the controller is difficult to reset to your preferred settings. While this may initially be off-putting, the company provides English-speaking customer service staff to help with any issues that may arise.
The start-up wind speed is only 5.6 mph, meaning it’s great for low-wind climates. It can survive up to 90 mph so you shouldn’t place it in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, tornadoes or heavy storms. Ideally, the right environment is an area with an annual wind speed of less than 8 mph.
At peak efficiency, the Tumo-Int turbine can generate 1050W of power, a solid 50W over its rated wattage. The kit also comes with a MPPT controller and dump load that detects and regulates the voltage in real time. The patented generator uses a heat-resistant Teflon wire, and the wheel shell is corrosion-resistant for maximum protection.
As one of the most unique home wind turbines available on the market, the Happybuy Wind Turbine 600W is a showstopper. With curved, vertical blades that emulate a lantern shape, this turbine is designed to generate power without the need for copious amounts of air space.
The futuristic look comes with a modest energy generating capacity, and the brand itself offers a range of wattage options, from 100W to 600W. Although this doesn’t come close to meeting the needs of an average household, the compact construction of the blades allows for you to place multiple units in the same backyard, doubling or tripling the power potential.
A fair number of reviewers have commented on the unexpected size of the unit, as it’s much larger than depicted in its product listing. This may cause concern for those looking for a discreet and small wind turbine to tuck away, out of sight.
However, the installation is straightforward and easy to follow, so first-time buyers were pleased with the process compared to other more complicated models. Most have paired their turbines with solar panel kits for maximum power generation and have used the turbine for small devices like outdoor water fountains and RV inverters.
One of the best-selling features of the Happybuy Wind Turbine is that it’s able to operate in low-wind areas. With a starting wind speed of 4.5 mph, the turbine is able to start generating power quickly. However, this is only the starting wind speed, so the generator won’t be able to produce its listed wattage until it hits its rated wind speed of 27 mph.
The unique lantern design allows for placement in tight quarters. With half the average rotor radius of a standard home wind turbine, the Happybuy Wind Turbine is lightweight, compact and easy to install in small backyards or on a roof. The turbine is also able to harvest energy from the turbulent air flow around buildings and structures, making it perfectly suited for urban environments.
The turbine is offered in two cool colors, including white and red. Each model comes equipped with 5 carbon fiber blades that are both anti-corrosion and anti-UV. The integrated maximum power tracking controller regulates the current and voltage of the 24V generator, and the automatic braking system protects the turbine from sudden gusts of wind.
Although the Windmax HY400 wind turbine only has a 500W generator, it still works like a charm. All in all, the Windmax is a great buy for first-time buyers who are looking for a mid-range model that’s reliable and efficient.
With black blades and a white rotor, the turbine is not the most stylish on the market. However, its updated 5-blade model, as compared to the previous 3-blade Windmax, can still help to reduce your electric bill on non-windy days. It’s silent, durable and advertises itself as maintenance-free. For most, this checks all the boxes for a low-fuss home wind turbine.
From islanders to North Texans, reviewers have reported success with their Windmax HY400 turbine. The turbine is reliable but doesn’t produce much energy unless there are winds over 30 mph. However, reviewers report that the blades will still spin in low-wind conditions.
Several buyers have used their turbines to supplement their green-energy production during night hours when solar panels are unable to operate. This allows for a greater alternative energy yield for off-the-grid homeowners.
The Windmax HY400 boasts top-notch solar panel compatibility. When combined with a solar array, the wind turbine can operate at 650W. However, with wind only, the rated wattage is only 400, with a max output of 500 on windy days.
The nylon and reinforced fiber glass blades are controlled with aerodynamic blade speed limitation and electromagnetic over-speed control. These extra protective measures ensure safe and efficient operation even in high wind conditions over 60 mph.
On top of the kit, you’ll need to purchase a pole to mount your turbine and a battery bank to collect the harvested energy. The turbine comes equipped with a controller and wire that reaches around 20-30 ft., so to be safe, the mounting pole shouldn’t be taller than 25 ft.
This modern looking wind turbine is sleek and effective. With 3 carbon fiber blades, the Marine Wind Turbine is able to harvest enough energy to power small devices and home appliances without making a sound.
The turbine comes equipped with all the standard essentials, plus a few extra features, like overspeed protection. Homeowners are free to place their turbines where they please, even in open bodies of water, without worry. A one-year limited warranty also offers a sense of comfort for first-time buyers who may be apprehensive about the high price tag.
Reviewers are generally impressed by the construction of the Marine Wind Turbine. With a light and small body, the turbine is still strong and sturdy. This comes in handy for those living in areas that are prone to inclement weather, like hurricanes.
On the other hand, reviewers also commend the performance of the turbine. While it’s not industrial wind-farm grade, the turbine does the job and performs well. This is essential for those who are solely reliant on wind power for electricity in off-the-grid situations.
The key selling point for this home wind turbine is that it can be installed on land or in a body of water, like a lake, pond or beach. With a marine-proof coating, the turbine is able to withstand harsh weather and water splashes, unlike other models. If you live in a coastal area, or have a cabin near the lake, then this turbine is ideal.
The Marine Wind Turbine can also produce up to 2000W with winds at 28 mph. The wind cut-in speed is 7 mph, which is fairly high for the industry. Ultimately, the turbine isn’t well-suited for non-windy areas and should only be used by homeowners who live in areas with high wind speeds.
The body is made of durable cast aluminum and can withstand winds of up to 110 mph, making it effectively weather-proof. The kit does not come with the necessary metal pole for installation, which is standard, so a 1.5-inch steel pipe should be purchased as well. Overall, installation is fairly easy as there are only 5 parts needed for assembly.
The turbine comes with a 3-phase synchronous generator that can be used to charge a 12V battery. This is enough power to run small devices, such as laptops, tools, lights or phones. If you’d like to power an entire household, then a minimum of 3 turbines should be used. They can be tied together, like solar panels, as long as they are placed roughly 58 feet apart.
With a star-shaped design, the uber modern and sleek Missouri General Freedom II is one of the most attractive home wind turbines on the market. The turbine comes in either black or white and offers a whopping 2000W energy output. With a modest price tag, the high-capacity turbine is more affordable than other models in the same wattage range.
Missouri Wind and Solar is brand-recognized in the energy industry for the amount of copper it uses in its units. Their Freedom PMG rotor boasts twice as much copper as a Delco style PMA, meaning it can charge your battery bank quicker than other generators. Not only that, but the company offers a 3-year limited warranty and a lifetime guarantee that their turbine will not break under normal use.
While the specs listed on the product description boast high quality parts and top power yields, the reviews tell a different story. Based on the experience of buyers, the Missouri General Freedom II doesn’t produce as much power as advertised. One such buyer stated that they didn’t harvest much energy, even when a big storm blew through their area.
On the other hand, one reviewer claims that the rear bearing failed on his unit three months after purchase. The bearing was defective, and they had to replace it themselves. This cost time and money on behalf of the reviewer. Based on these negative reviews, this particular wind turbine falls lower on our list than other brands that may not have as many advertised bells and whistles.
The kit comes with 11 galvanized carbon fiber blades that are able to withstand incredible wind speeds and inclement weather without rust or damage. This is great for those living in areas prone to coastal humidity or large storms that blow through frequently.
The 6 mph cut-in wind speed is neither the highest nor the lowest on the market. And while the turbine can operate effectively in a wide range of wind conditions, it’s best suited for an average of 15 mph. This relatively low wind speed rating is due in part to its high blade count.
The turbine uses a wire tension system rather than slip rings that can break or fail. The Freedom II PMG is also constructed with 28 magnets and is more dependable than rotors built with brushes. So while the price tag is higher than cheap wind turbine models, your money is well-invested as the Missouri General Freedom II is dependable and long-lasting.
A home wind turbine is certainly an investment. Top-tier models can easily cost you $1,000 or more, which is why it’s important for you to first consider a few key factors before making your choice.
Whether you’re planning on using your wind turbine to power barn lights or an underground bunker, there are different models that will suit your needs. From cheap, low-wattage units to marine-grade kits, there’s something for everyone.
This is the most important consideration you’ll make when deciding on a turbine for your home. If you receive very low wind speeds, live in a densely populated area, or frequently experience gale-force winds, then a wind turbine probably isn’t the best option.
On average, home wind turbines need a minimum amount of wind in order to operate. This varies based on the model, but most clock in at around 6-7 mph. The rated wind speeds for full energy production are generally around 27 mph for standard units. If you live in an area that experiences a steady amount of wind, then a normal residential turbine is fine.
However, if you encounter regularly low wind speeds, you’ll need to look for models that have a lower threshold. One of the biggest contributing factors are the blades. Those with more blades, like 9 to 11, have more surface area, weight and torque to keep the rotor spinning. This means they’ll still be able to operate in low-wind conditions while 3-blade models cannot.
When purchasing a home wind turbine, keep your eye out for these product specifications:
The average American household with modern appliances uses around 8000-9400kWh of electricity per year. If you’re looking to go completely off-grid, then you’ll need to meet a minimum threshold of 5 kW to 15 kW of power output. Most home wind turbines don’t come close to meeting this minimum, so they’ll need to be used in conjunction with other turbines or a different power source.
If you’re just looking to power small devices, like the pump of an outdoor pond, then a small, mid-wattage turbine is adequate. Those with 400-1000W of power can charge small appliances like laptops, phones, lights, power tools and more. If you’re looking to use a turbine in combination with an inverter for an RV, you’ll probably need more.
Turbine | Watts (W) | Volts (V) |
WINDMILL 1500W Wind Turbine Generator Kit | 1500W | 24V |
Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator Kit with Wind Boosting Controller | 1000W | 48V |
Happybuy Wind Turbine 600W White Lantern | 600W | 24V |
Windmax HY400 500 W Residential Wind Generator Kit | 500W | 12V |
2000-Watt Marine Wind Turbine Power Generator | 2000W | 12V |
2000 Watt 11 Blade Missouri General Freedom II Wind Turbine | 2000W | 48V |
Wind turbines are designed to be placed high up in the air. The turbine and generator must be mounted on a tall pole that’s around 25-60 ft. in height. However, turbines aren’t only limited to large fields or hilltops; home wind turbines can also be placed on a roof (like in your rooftop garden) or in a body of water.
Depending on the amount of square footage you have available to you, there are a variety of options. For those living in more compact environments, a turbine that has a small rotor radius is essential. On the other hand, if you’re looking to mount your turbine on the roof, then you’ll need a model that isn’t heavy and cumbersome.
Be aware that each turbine needs to be placed within a buffer zone. Two turbines should never be placed right next to each other. An easy way to figure out the right distance for placement is to multiply the turbine’s blade radius by 10. This will give you a general estimate, although consulting the manufacturer is the preferred choice.
Wind turbines work great when paired with a solar array as it maximizes your capacity to produce energy. During the day, the solar panels can soak up the sun’s ray, while your wind turbine can generate power with evening gusts of wind. If you’re looking to go completely off-grid, then this pairing is the most reliable choice as you can’t always guarantee that you’re going to get enough wind each day.
On the other hand, if you really do want to commit to purely wind energy, then you’ll need to look for high wattage kits. 100-1000W won’t produce nearly enough energy and will simply waste your time, money and energy. Those with more than 3 blades and a 2000W energy output are much better suited for cabin dwellers and off-grid systems.
Based on a range of factors, including the number of blades, weight, wind speed rating, energy output and features, we’ve selected the 6 best home wind turbines on the market.
Our rankings place an emphasis on utility, efficiency and reliability, while also taking into consideration price and real-world experience. As a residential green-energy source, these wind turbines must also minimum amount of power.
The amount and size of the blades will affect the overall efficiency and usefulness of the wind turbine. Those with fewer blades will cause the rotor to spin more quickly, generating more energy at faster speeds. And those with more blades will pick up low wind speeds and can operate without the need for consistently heavy wind.
On the other hand, the length of the blade is an important consideration as well. If the blade is long, then the turbine will need a larger buffer zone. Those with small or compact blades are better suited for urban areas where space is more of an issue.
The wind speed rating is the average amount of wind needed for the turbine to operate at peak efficiency. While the turbine will still generate electricity at speeds below the rating, it won’t be able to meet its listed wattage unless it’s receiving the wind speed rating or higher. In general, those with lower wind speed ratings are ranked higher because they offer the most flexibility for homeowners.
Turbine | Minimum Wind Speed | Wind Speed Rating |
WINDMILL 1500W Wind Turbine Generator Kit | 5.6 mph | 31 mph |
Tumo-Int 1000W Wind Turbine Generator Kit with Wind Boosting Controller | 5.6 mph | 28 mph |
Happybuy Wind Turbine 600W White Lantern | 4.5 mph | 27 mph |
Windmax HY400 500 W Residential Wind Generator Kit | N/A | 27 mph |
2000-Watt Marine Wind Turbine Power Generator | 7 mph | 28 mph |
2000 Watt 11 Blade Missouri General Freedom II Wind Turbine | 6 mph | 15 mph |
While the combined weight of the kit isn’t the most important consideration, it still affects placement. If the kit is heavy, then it will need an expensive and sturdy pole to support it. It also shouldn’t be placed on roofs or around other structures that may be damaged should the pole fail. Ultimately, the lighter the unit, the better. You’ll also have the added bonus of paying less for shipping!
In general, the energy output of the generator is the most important factor for most buyers. Afterall, the whole purpose of a wind turbine is to convert wind energy to electricity. Any model that has a wattage below 500 W is effectively useless, unless you’re planning on using it to power a string of outdoor lights or a charge a phone. The average wattage for a reasonably priced home wind turbine is around 1000W. This is a great starting point for first-time buyers.
Wind turbines are simple machines, and generally don’t come equipped with many bells and whistles. However, there are several features that make one turbine stand above another.
As with most things, the more features a home wind turbine offers, the better value for money. This is especially true for those with integrated load dumps and MPPT charge controllers.
Here are the most common features on offer:
The basic operation of a wind turbine is actually fairly simple: the wind turns the blades of a turbine around a rotor, which then spins the generator to create electricity that an external battery bank stores. Whether it’s an industrial grade wind turbine on a wind farm, or a small residential turbine in a backyard, the general principle is the same.
Overall, you must place wind turbines in an area that receives a minimum amount of wind. For an average home wind turbine, that’s usually a wind speed of 5.5 mph or more. Without this minimum amount of wind, the blades just won’t spin, and no electricity will be produced.
However, the rated energy output of a turbine can’t be achieved unless the turbine has access to its rated wind speed, which is the average amount of wind needed to get the generator producing at max capacity. For example, a 500W turbine rated for 27 mph wind speeds will only generate around 100W of power when the wind is 10-12 mph.
Most home wind turbines advertise between 100W and 2000W of power. However, the actual amount of wattage is dependent on the wind speed and efficiency of the generator. While some models have high power ratings, they may only perform at very high wind speeds that most homeowners don’t have access to in their area.
Expensive units can produce 2000W and charge 12-24-48V battery banks. When combined with 3 or more units, the turbines are able to power a small household entirely. Most homeowners aren’t looking to set up a mini wind farm on their property however, so a network of turbines and solar panels is the way to go if you’re planning on being entirely off-grid.
Depending on the model you purchase, wind turbines have a surprising ability to withstand heavy gales, storms and wind surges. Generally, home wind turbines can manage wind speeds of up to 90-100 mph before they begin to break or malfunction.
Those living in areas prone to hurricanes or frequent tornadoes should not install wind turbines as they can pose a safety risk and are sure to malfunction at some point. In this case, a solar array is more effective as an alternative energy source.
In terms of rain, pretty much all mid-range turbines are coated with anti-corrosive materials that are resistant to rust and water damage. Some models can even be placed in marine environments, like coastal regions or small bodies of water in rural areas.
The amount of money you’ll save by using a wind turbine is entirely dependent on your average household electricity consumption and the standard price for electricity in your area. On average, an American household will use around 780 kWh per month.
If you have enough wind turbines to produce the 5kW you’ll need to meet your energy needs and have access to reasonable wind speeds throughout the year, then you’ll be able to cut your electric bill down to zero. In fact, the electric company may pay you for any extra energy you produce and sell back.
However, in order to meet this quota, you’d need to install a minimum of three 2000W turbines, which is an expensive upfront investment. On the other hand, a small wind production facility that includes 1 or 2 turbines on your property can easily cut your electric bill in half, and you can significantly reduce your utility costs during the windiest times of the year. For devoted DIYers, an average savings of 50 to 90% is common.
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