Wind Turbines

Choosing a wind turbine or wind generator starts with understanding your location and how you plan to use the power it generates. Wind conditions can vary significantly between properties, so a turbine that suits one location may not perform the same way somewhere else.

Before choosing a turbine, consider your typical wind conditions, where the turbine will be installed, the amount of power you hope to generate and how it will connect with the rest of your off grid power system.

A wind turbine needs consistent, unobstructed airflow to generate useful power. Open locations with regular wind exposure are generally better suited than areas surrounded by buildings, trees or terrain that can interrupt airflow.

Before purchasing, consider:

• The typical wind conditions at your location

• Nearby trees, buildings and other obstructions

• Where and how high the turbine can be installed

• Your available installation space

• How the turbine will integrate with your existing power system

For a home wind turbine, assessing the installation location is particularly important. Choosing a suitable site can be just as important as choosing the turbine itself.

The right wind turbine size depends on what you want to achieve with your system rather than simply choosing the model with the highest rated output.

Consider your typical energy requirements, whether wind will be a primary or supplementary energy source and the wind conditions available at your property. When comparing models, check their rated output and operating specifications rather than assuming the maximum power rating represents what the turbine will continuously produce.

For Australian homes and off grid properties, wind power can provide another way to generate renewable energy when local conditions are suitable.

A home wind turbine may be used as part of a broader off grid system alongside batteries and other energy sources. This can be particularly useful when you're looking to diversify how your system generates energy rather than relying on a single source.

When comparing wind turbines in Australia, consider your local conditions as well as the specifications of the turbine to determine whether it suits your property and power setup.

Wind turbines and solar panels don't necessarily need to be an either-or decision. In an off grid system, they can provide different ways of generating energy depending on the conditions.

Solar panels generate electricity when sufficient sunlight is available, while a wind turbine relies on suitable wind conditions. Where both resources are available, combining wind and solar can help diversify the sources supplying an off grid energy system.

Before building a combined system, check the compatibility and requirements of the turbine, solar panels, batteries, controllers and other components involved.

Before choosing a wind turbine, compare more than its maximum power rating. Check the product specifications for its operating wind requirements, rated output, dimensions, installation requirements and compatible system components.

Most importantly, match the turbine to your actual location and power system. Understanding your wind conditions and system requirements before purchasing can help you choose a turbine that's better suited to how and where you intend to use it.