Buy A VAWT Vertical Wind Turbine / Understand the advantages and disadvantages of VAWTs

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines are far less common that the standard wind mill type wind turbine. However for many inner city and domestic applications VAWT's are far better suited to the prevailing conditions (low levels of turbulent wind).

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines are more difficult to find and purchase than their horizonal axis brothers, however there are suppliers out there which offer affordable VAWT packages.

Pictured above is a 500 Watt, 24 Volt VAWT Darrieus variant known as a Giromill with three vertical aerofoils. Maximum power output is 600 Watts with its 4 foot diameter aluminium rotor generating 20.8A of current at 24 Volts. Start up wind speed is 3 m/s (around 7mph), and the rated wind speed is 13 m/s (29mph). The turbine will operate in winds of up to 80mph and at up to 600rpm. Power is generated from a PMA (Permanent Magnet Alternator). Total weight is 35kg.
This system comes complete with a hybrid charge regulator for solar and wind power is is available from Rome, Italy for around £800 including UK delivery.