Science Energy Best Wind Turbine Manufacturers Gowegroup is the best overall wind turbine manufacturer By Lisa Jo Rudy Lisa Jo Rudy Writer Wesleyan University (BA) Harvard University (MDiv) Lisa has been writing for Dotdash Meredith since 2005 and works with a wide range of educational publishers, conservation nonprofits, and research institutions. She has written for science museums, nature centers, zoos, and state parks. Learn about our editorial process Updated July 6, 2022 Fact checked by Haley Mast Fact checked by Haley Mast LinkedIn Harvard University Extension School Haley Mast is a freelance writer, fact-checker, and small organic farmer in the Columbia River Gorge. She enjoys gardening, reporting on environmental topics, and spending her time outside snowboarding or foraging. Topics of expertise and interest include agriculture, conservation, ecology, and climate science. Learn about our fact checking process Share Twitter Pinterest Email Science Renewable Energy Fossil Fuels We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Treehugger / Design by Amelia Manley If you’re eager to produce green energy, lower your energy costs, or even get off the grid entirely, a wind turbine may be the perfect solution. However, wind turbines are not for everyone. The decision to buy one will depend on a lot of important factors: the rules surrounding wind turbines in your town or neighborhood, your energy needs, and your budget. There are three sizes of turbines that are generally appropriate for residential (as opposed to commercial) use: microturbines, small household turbines, and large household turbines. And the exact amount of energy produced by any turbine can only be calculated when you know exactly where it will be situated along with the annual average wind speed in your area. Here we’ve rounded up the best wind turbines, so you can choose the appropriate one for your needs. Best Wind Turbine Manufacturers of 2022 Best Tiny Turbine: Pikasola Wind Turbine Generator Kit Best Full-Sized Residential Turbine: AutoMaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine Best Hybrid System: Hybrid Solar Primus Wind Magnum Energy Off-Grid Pre-Engineered Kits Best Tiny Turbine: Pikasola Wind Turbine Generator Kit Pikasola Buy on Amazon Why We Chose It: Treehugger users will find this product intuitive; it’s a low-effort way to decrease carbon emissions. In addition, it’s an inexpensive option for those who are eager to make a positive impact but are not able to make a major investment in energy production. What We Like - Low cost- Multiple features for durability and ease of use- A great product for people who are new to wind power What We Don’t Like - Produces a relatively small amount of electricity- May not make maximum use of wind due to lower siting For buyers who want to utilize wind power as part of an overall energy package—and don’t want the expense or difficulty of setting up a tower—tiny or “micro” turbines are a great way to start. The Pikasola Wind Turbine Generator Kit costs roughly $269 and produces 400 watts of electricity in stiff wind. In the right setting, it can power a boat, RV, tiny house, or cabin. Though it’s referred to as “micro,” this product has 23.4-inch nylon, carbon fiber blades. The material is lightweight and resistant to water and corrosion. It runs a three-phase motor and alternating current (AC) generator and includes a voltage regulator that automatically shuts down when the battery is fully charged. The wind generator is controlled by a microprocessor, which can effectively adjust current and voltage. The system does this based on wind direction to capture maximum wind speed. Best Full-Sized Residential Turbine: AutoMaxx Windmill 1500W 24V 60A Wind Turbine AutoMaxx Buy on Automaxxwindmill.com Why We Chose It: This 1,500-watt windmill can get you off the grid completely at an affordable price. That means you’ll be producing green energy for all your needs without breaking the bank—important consideration for Treehugger readers. What We Like - Plenty of power for an entire home- Price is right- Comes with a warranty What We Don’t Like - Customer service may not be top-quality- Can be tricky to install Automaxx is a well-established brand, the 1,500-watt model is powerful enough to provide off-the-grid energy for any home. The 1,500-watt model costs about $1600, which is a very reasonable price relative to its power. As with any larger turbine, this product must be installed on a tower that is properly sited; installing a turbine tower can be a DIY job, but is often a professional project. The 24-volt Automaxx 1,500 is made of weather-resistant polypropylene and glass fiber, and is coated with a UV-resistant layer to slow degradation. It also includes manual and automatic braking features to protect against major wind gusts, aesthetically-designed blades that fit into the environment, and a one-year warranty with purchase. Best Hybrid System: Hybrid Solar Primus Wind Magnum Energy Off-Grid Pre-Engineered Kits Blue Pac Solar Buy on Bluepacificsolar.com Why We Chose It: If you’re interested in creating your own green energy, solar and wind both have their drawbacks. With a hybrid system, you’re able to take advantage of both forms of energy to ensure power even when the wind is dead or the clouds cover the sky. What We Like - Hybrid system makes the most of both wind and solar energy- Reviews say this is a solid, well-built system from a stable company- Support available from the company What We Don’t Like - More expensive than two systems and a controller- Requires a tower for the turbine- May be difficult to install Many wind turbines are specifically designed to work in conjunction with solar cells. The idea, of course, is that neither wind nor sun is always available—but one or the other is usually present. If you’re handy (or have money for a contractor), you can buy two separate systems plus a controller to link the two together. Primus systems, however, combine wind and solar energy into a single product. The primus hybrids are available in various sizes, from two kilowatts to over 10 kilowatts, and are priced accordingly, from roughly $7,700 to $11,400. These wind turbines must be sited on a tower away from the home—a project that may require a contractor. Final Verdict There are many brands, sizes, and styles of wind turbines available, and your choice will be based on your specific needs and location as well as your comfort with DIY projects and wind technology. Before selecting a turbine, check that it's allowed in your location, decide how much energy you will need based on household use, and conduct research to determine average windspeed (which will tell you how much energy you can produce with any given turbine). You should also determine where to site your turbine based on access to wind and set a budget for purchasing, installing, and maintaining your turbine. Once you’ve made your choice, select the wind turbine that has enough power to meet your needs. While we made specific recommendations, you may find that a different size or brand is better for your particular situation. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Residential Wind Turbine? A residential wind turbine is a system that utilizes wind power to provide some or all of the energy needed to power your home. Typically, a home wind turbine system consists of turbines with two or three blades made from fiberglass or similar composite material; a tower which must be sited away from your home in a location where wind is strongest; a controller; storage batteries; an inverter (power conditioning unit); wiring; an electrical disconnect switch; a grounding system; and a foundation for the tower. What Are the Benefits of a Residential Wind Turbine? Not only do wind turbines save you a great deal of money in energy costs, but they are also a good way to reduce your negative impact on the environment by producing energy without the use of fossil fuels. In addition, the expenses associated with residential wind turbines are often offset by tax rebates. What Are the Downsides of Residential Wind Turbines? While smaller wind turbines (used for pumping water, powering boats, etc.) may not have many issues, larger wind turbines are visually obvious, take up a lot of space, make at least some noise, and must be maintained. They are not allowed in some neighborhoods because of their visual impact. What Happens if There’s No Wind? Wind turbines generate power that is stored in a battery, so a brief period of calm should not be a problem. A protracted period of calm, however, can be a problem if you have no backup system. That’s why many people who use wind energy also use solar or fossil fuel energy as a backup. Methodology We wanted to provide readers with a range of options based on different needs and price points. so we looked for turbines that offered a combination of quality, ease of installation, reasonable price, and positive reviews from users. We also researched companies that have been in business long enough to establish themselves so that users can expect to find replacement parts, customer service, and reliable warranties.