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Can you Build a Low Cost Wind Turbine or Solar Panel?

April 9, 2009 By: Anna7 Comments

EarthForEnergy sells a handy e-book on how to make your own wind turbine or solar panel for under $200. In addition, the e-book is accompanied by two installation videos. Watch the short video above as Wayne from the Company walks you through building the guts of the wind turbine. I had no idea at the time  I was watching this video that this Company sold a how to manual, and was looking forward to seeing how they made the propellers and mounting  it.

When I went to their site, I found that they sell a kit for $49.97 which walks you through the process. The Company touts that their product is a #1 Rated Site as seen on such names as  Google, CNN and the NY Times.  Unfortunately, I could not find any of these articles.  What does that mean #1 rated on Google?  Buying keywords?  Not a good sign.

According to the website, you can build a  wind generator  for $100 and a solar generator for $150. How much power can the solar or wind generator make? According to the FAQs:

“Our aim is to produce 500 watts of power by using blades that are 8 feet in diameter with wind speeds of 20 miles per hour. You can join multiple windmills together for more power. This is explained in the book.

Note, the website does not provide an output chart.  Any third party verification?  Don’t know.

The minute I saw 20 miles an hour to produce 500 watts, I said to myself,  hold on there.  A 20 mile wind is not realistic.   Some small wind generators rate how much kilowatts they produce based upon a 12 mile an hour wind.  Is this 500 watts a day, month or  year? How many watts would it generate based on 12 miles an hour? What could this generator power?  Do you need an acre of land as required by small stream wind turbines? Do you still have to buy an inverter? Plus, this is 500 watts not kilowatts.  What the heck can you power with 500 watts? A couple of light bulbs?  Lots of questions.

As for the solar:

“Our manual provides instructions to build 100 watt panels and you also get the instructions so you can join multiple panels together to raise the output to 1000 watts +.”

What was my first thought. Scam, but I remained open-minded and scoured the internet looking to find people who either built their own and displayed it in a video or on their website. I could not find it.

What I did find is the above video, in which the above purchaser quickly shows you what is offered if you buy the kit.

Still searching for the testimonials, I found a review of the product in which Michelle, the reviewer, says they built a solar panel in an hour. However, you never see the panel.

I finally found an interesting review from Consumer Reports’ Webwatch’s blog, the UnSponsored Link, which the reviewer questioned the credibility of the website.   Worth reading.

I also want to note that the Company has an affiliate marketing program.  So, readers, I am turning to you. Can someone tell me if these is the real deal or a scam?  Something does not sound right here.

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About Anna

Anna Hackman is the editor of Green Talk, and owner of The Naked Botanical and a avid (okay obsessed) gardener. She also loves video and podcasting and hosts Green Talk TV and Green Talk Radio. Her most important role is being a mother of four boys.

Chat with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , and Google+.

Comments

  1. 1

    Coccinelle says

    April 10, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    It sound perfectly well to me for the number of Watt and the force of the wind… for the rest… I don’t know…

    But I agree with you, 500 Watts is not a fair amount… and a windmill is not exactly the most easy thing to carry in camping…

    Reply
  2. 2

    Pragun Bhutani says

    September 29, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    Since you’re talking about earth4energy here, i think i can make an input here. That kit really is worth the investment. I mean, i bought it about six months ago and the thing’s already paid itself off in the form of savings !
    I wouldn’t say 80%, but the solar panels have really reduced my bills by about 60%

    Reply
    • 3

      Green Talk says

      September 29, 2009 at 8:58 pm

      Pragun, do you have a pic for me to show my readers? It just did not seem like enough output to do anything. Anna

      Reply
  3. 4

    Daniel @ Diy Solar Panels says

    January 18, 2010 at 10:52 am

    Thumbs up for earth4energy! It`s an excellent overall source for solar info. It puts the information in understandable terms without “talking down” to the reader. It also includes information missing in the other more technical books I have read. Solid read and a must for all solar panel enthusiasts.

    Reply
  4. 5

    DIY Solar Panels says

    April 26, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    I wish more people understood the power of solar panels. I used this exact book for building mine and it was a huge time and money saver. Both great things in my book. Thumbs up here too.
    .-= DIY Solar Panels´s last blog ..DIY Solar Panels – Earth 4 Energy Review =-.

    Reply
  5. 6

    DIY Solar Panel says

    May 30, 2010 at 2:06 am

    Earth 4 Energy is by far the easiest-to-follow guide I came across. My own experience says you should set aside at least 2 days to buy the parts and get it fully installed.

    Reply
  6. 7

    Diy Solar Panels says

    July 23, 2010 at 12:56 am

    Everybody can build a diy solar panel or diy wind turbine.. This is a great guide..

    Reply

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