If you live in a suburban or rural area, you will probable have more success with a wind generator for home use. Will your efforts produce sufficient power to supply your home? Will wind power technologies be more in your comfort zone? Your neighbors might not be as excited as you about changing the skyline with a wind turbine.

Have you identified everything that you want to achieve? How high is your interest level as a weekend warrior verses a true commitment to build a wind generator?

In order to build your wind generator correctly, you will probably need permits for your area. This will likely be no different than any other building permit request. Consider what your neighbors will see when your wind generator is complete and whether they will be as pleased as you are. Some people will fine a reason to oppose anything new. There are some people who have developed an opinion about alternative energy production before the topic was ever discussed. Some people have the wrong information about factors around wind turbines, like the noise they could produce when in operation. Will a wind tower effect your neighborhood? Some people simply don't want to see an wind tower on their neighbors roof.

Let's look further into the Do-It-Yourself building of a wind generator.

To make sure that your permit application is a smooth event, plan well ahead of your application by getting to know your neighbors. Casually talk with your neighbors about your renewable energy plans. Share with them about how excited you are to capture wind energy and point out the positive points of creating your own energy. Most important, arm yourself with knowledge about the system you are considering installing, addressing any of their fears or misinformation before challenges arise. Knowing ahead of time about any potential roadblocks from neighbors or local officials will help you plan a positive approach to securing your permit to add a wind generator for home use. Know in advance that change will create opposition.

Did you know that many people have no idea what a small wind turbine looks like? Manufacturers share literature on their equipment. You can get this to share with those people not knowledgeable with small turbines. There have been so many technological advances in design, that negative opinions may be based on seriously outdated information. Some concerns to address will be:

• Noise is the first challenge that you will need to be able to address.
• Blades coming off with no warning is the second issue that you will need to address.
• The third concern is about voltage straying to the neighbor and
• Fourth about the unsightly appearance.
• The fifth challenge will be about lightning strikes and
• Sixth about killing the local bird population.
• Hearing problems from a wind generator is always seventh on the list.
• Eight may be concerning a fire hazard if the wind is too high and the blades turn too fast. Ignorance leads to fear. Your best hedge is education.

Remember, you must research all local, codes and restrictions prior to beginning your project. It is possible in your area that there are obstacles that you cannot overcome. Remember, knowing in advance what you are up against can prevent major heartache later by being prepared in all aspects, you will succeed in building your wind generator.

To optimize your chances for securing a building or other permit needed, submit manufacturer literature with your application. Also, statistics on the safety, reliability and efficiency will help.

There is no guarantee that even a bought system can be installed in some non-rural areas of the country. When your home wind generator is complete and functional, invite your neighbors to come see how it produces electricity and powers your home. You could start a trend for your neighborhood to follow your lead!

Eliminating utility bills could be a fun by product of building a wind generator.