Small Wind Turbine System — FarmPal

Harness wind energy with a small turbine (400W-10kW) mounted on a tower. Excellent complement to solar in windy locations, especially during winter months when solar output drops.

How It Works

Wind spins turbine blades connected to a generator producing AC or DC electricity. A controller regulates output and protects from overspeed. Power feeds to batteries (off-grid) or grid-tie inverter.

Site Requirements

  • •Average wind speed of 10+ mph at hub height (measured, not guessed)
  • •Tower height: minimum 30 feet above anything within 500 feet
  • •Open exposure turbulence from buildings and trees kills output
  • •Setback requirements from property lines and structures
  • •Soil/foundation suitable for tower anchoring

Components

Wind Turbine
Convert wind energy to electricity
$500-5,000
Tower
Elevate turbine above ground turbulence
$1,000-5,000
Charge Controller
Regulate charging, dump excess power
$200-600
Dump Load
Absorb excess power to prevent overspeed
$50-200
Battery Bank
Store energy for calm periods
$200-500/kWh
Inverter
Convert to household AC power
$500-2,000

Sizing Guide

Output depends primarily on wind speed and rotor diameter

Formula
Annual kWh ≈ Rotor Area (m²) × 0.5 × Air Density × Wind Speed³ × Hours × Efficiency
DIY Minimum
$2,000 (Hugh Piggott build + guyed pole tower)
DIY Typical
$5,000-12,000 (complete system with batteries)
Professional
$15,000-50,000+ installed
Annual Maint.
$200-500 (bearing inspection, blade check)

DIY Steps

1
Wind Assessment

Monitor wind at your proposed tower height for at least 6-12 months. Use an anemometer and data logger. Calculate average speed and energy potential.

⏱ 6-12 months monitoring
2
Turbine Selection or Build

Choose a commercial turbine rated for your wind speeds, or build a Hugh Piggott-style permanent magnet alternator with hand-carved wooden blades.

⏱ 1-4 weeks (DIY build)
3
Tower Installation

Install a tilt-up guyed tower with proper foundation and guy wire anchors. Tower must be 30+ feet above any obstacle within 500 feet.

⏱ 3-7 days
4
Electrical Connection

Wire turbine to charge controller, then to battery bank and inverter. Install dump load for excess power management.

⏱ 1-2 days

✓ Pros

  • •Produces power day and night (unlike solar)
  • •Peak production often in winter when solar is weakest
  • •Excellent complement to solar for year-round reliability
  • •DIY builds possible with Hugh Piggott plans
  • •No fuel costs

⚠️ Safety

  • •Never work on a turbine in wind always brake or furl first
  • •Tower raising is dangerous use experienced crew
  • •Lightning strikes are a real risk proper grounding essential
  • •Blade failure can throw debris maintain safe zone around tower