Imagine being able to run all of your household appliances off the power your windmill generates. You can save hundreds of dollars a month by simply running your televisions, computers, and refrigerator off the power created by your windmill.

Generating energy with your own windmill doesn't only save you money, but it helps the environment. It decreases the burden on your local power company, and lessens the impact on the environment.

If only a small percentage of the population generated their own power, it would have such a beneficial impact on the environment.

Photo: greenpoweroregon.com

There are some basic parts you will need for this project, including a set of good instructions to build a windmill. This is very important!

Note: If you have no experience with these types of projects, and you attempt to put it together without instructions to build a windmill, you can severely hurt yourself. (you might need some miscellaneous parts, depending on your particular windmill)

1. Instructions To Build A Windmill

Good instructions are vital to properly building a windmill. I found a great set of instructions that are straightforward and easy to follow. If you're interested, you can check out Earth4Energy.

2. DC Power Motor

The fans will turn your DC motor, and will generate the power. There are certain specifications that you will need depending on your energy needs. Be sure to get the right motor. (If you need help picking out your motor, check out this book, Earth4Energy, which is a great guide to building your own windmill)

3. Body Assembly

This is what will hold everything together.

4. Tail Assembly

The tail is what will keep the unit balanced, and ensures that the blades are maximized to produce the most energy as possible.

5. Blades To Collect The Wind Energy

The blades will catch the wind and produce energy by turning the DC motor. You have to ensure that the blades are the right size, width, and are made of the right material. If the blades aren't the right specs, your unit will be out of balance and may even fall and cause damage or injury. (you will need help picking out and properly shaping the blades, check out this book, Earth4Energy, which is a great guide to building your own windmill)

6. Hub

The hub connects the propeller to the motor.

7. Tower

The tower raises the unit high enough so that it catches wind.

8. Battery Bank

This will house the extra power generated.

9. DC to AC Inverter

If you need AC power, which most appliances use, you will need to get a power inverter. You can find cheap ones on eBay, and there are current auctions below.

10. Nuts And Bolts

You can find most of these parts at your local hardware store. Another great source is eBay, and you can find many of these parts there for a cheap price.

To make it even easier, there are current eBay auctions below for some of the parts you need.

I found several books with instructions to build a windmill. I had strict criteria that each book had to meet:

1. Easy to understand
2. Affordability
3. Immediate availability

Out of all the books I came across, only a few instructions to build a windmill met my criteria. And my favorite set of instructions to build a windmill was Earth4Energy. Earth4Energy is well written, straightforward, and even included pictures to help you along the process.

If you want to build your own windmill, and you are looking for a great set of instructions to build a windmill, I recommend checking out Earth4Energy.

You can read my full review of Earth4Energy, and find out how you can get 2 free gifts from me, by clicking on this link.