[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]:  "I would recommend you add more solar first. Only once you've topped out with that would I suggest a windgen. -- Mike OReilley((https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/most-popular-wind-generators-244603.html#post3311782))"

====== wind power ======

Small wind power generators (sometimes called //turbines//) are popular with homesteaders and cruising boats.  Wind works at night when solar does not, and also works in heavy weather when [[electrical:solar:output|solar harvest]] is heavily compromised.

Homesteaders can put up tall masts and boats often already have upright masts and are generally away from surface level obstructions:

> On my small 37-foot monohull I have 400 watts solar and a 400 watt (theoretical) windgen.((windgen == wind generator)) From my experience in the mid/upper latitudes mostly summer months, I would say my windgen provides about 15 to 20% of my power needs, while the solar does the bulk... 

For various reasons wind power is less common with vehicle dwellers.  



===== challenges =====

Wind generators require

  * sustained winds, which are rare where nomads choose to camp.  Compare manufacturer specs with [[https://www.weather.gov/ilx/swopwindscale|this visual wind speed estimation chart]].  
  * high mounts, with bases on the ground or mounted to the vehicle
  * a way to "dump" load to keep the gen from overspeed damage in high winds, although some nice windgens have built-in electronic controls for this. 
  * teardown in very high winds
  * money - windgens cost 3-4x more than solar for the same output rating

==== tuning for wind ====

Usable power typically starts around 10mph, where flags stand straight out.  Full rating is typically achieved at 20mph+, where small trees sway and whitecaps appear on bodies of water. 

Generally speaking, windgens with higher max outputs have higher minimum "start-up speeds", or speeds when the vanes start turning.  Vandwellers in normal wind conditions will likely bias toward low start-up speeds, resulting in relatively low max outputs.  

==== dump loads ====

The easiest dump load for vandwellers is electric water heating, which [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#heating_and_cooling|can suck up a huge amount of power]] if needed. 

===== recommended units =====

  * D400 (UK) - 
  * Superwind (Germany) - 


===== further reading =====

  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClHJMEm8HZ4|Cheap RV Living microturbine video]] with Jim