Wind Power Basics: The Complete Walkthrough
This guide covers wind power basics, rated a hard task, typically taking assessment + install.
Our printable card on wind power basics covers the essentials at a glance — here's the fuller walkthrough.
Height and exposure matter most
Wind speed increases significantly with height, so a turbine mounted well above surrounding obstructions (trees, buildings) performs far better than the same turbine mounted low — site selection matters more than turbine choice.
Getting Set Up
Keep these points in mind:
- A site assessment showing genuinely consistent average wind speed
- A turbine sized to realistic local conditions (small-scale turbines suit supplementary power, not full self-sufficiency)
- A sturdy tower well clear of turbulence from nearby obstructions
- A charge controller and battery bank
Step by Step
Worth paying attention to:
- 1. Assess average wind speed at the proposed site across as many seasons as possible — a log or simple anemometer reading over months gives a realistic picture.
- 2. Choose a site clear of turbulence from trees, buildings, and terrain features.
- 3. Select a turbine and tower height appropriate to realistic (not best-case) wind conditions.
- 4. Install the tower and turbine per manufacturer specifications, with appropriate guying or footing for the site's wind loads.
- 5. Connect to a charge controller and battery bank, and commission the system.
When Things Go Wrong
Keep these points in mind:
- Output much lower than expected — most commonly, insufficient average wind speed or a site too affected by turbulence; reassess site selection.
- Excessive noise or vibration — often a sign of an undersized tower or poor mounting; review installation against manufacturer specs.
- Turbine damage in storms — check the turbine has an appropriate over-speed/furling protection mechanism for extreme wind events.
- Inconsistent output — inherent to wind power; pair with battery storage and another generation source for reliability.
Ongoing Timing
Best time — assess wind conditions across a full year before committing to turbine size and tower height. Duration — output varies continuously with wind conditions rather than being predictable day to day. Maintenance — periodic inspection of blades, tower, and connections, particularly after severe weather. Signs of success — output broadly tracking measured wind conditions, without unexpected shutdowns or damage in normal weather.
For the condensed printable version, head to the main guide page linked below.