One of the most important measurements you’ll need to make when planning your DIY wind turbine is wind speed and direction. Knowing where the wind blows best and at what speeds will be important factors for determining what size and type wind turbine will be best for your location and what kind of power your turbine will produce. There are companies around who can come and do a really professional site assessment, but for small machines, this could end up costing as much as the turbine itself!
The easiest way to …

As contradictory as it sounds, wind energy is a form of solar energy. Nearly all forms of renewable energy, including the energy in fossil fuels, comes ultimately from the sun. The sun’s radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates-most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface, and cooler air is …