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- 1). Calculate the amount of energy you will need your bank of deep cycle batteries to store. This information will be on the package the battery comes in. A deep cycle battery rated at 100 amp hours will provide either 5 amps of power for 20 hours or 20 amps for five hours. You will need to know an approximate amp usage for the appliances you want to generate energy for over a period of three days. This will keep at least those systems running during a three-day period of no wind. Consult your local power grid company to get this information and check to see whether there are regulations you should know about before setting up the turbine. Since you may choose to hook up your turbine to the power grid, laws in your area may restrict access to the grid to power company workers. Some power companies will "buy back" the power you generate on your system and some may help install the constructed turbine to your home.
- 2). Purchase the correct number of batteries based on your amp needs. Deep cycle batteries can be purchased at golf cart repair stores or marina supply shops. Read through the turbine kit instructions for specifics on compatibility with different types of deep cycle batteries.
- 3). Buy the electronic interface. This device sends the power to the batteries, and will shut down the flow of electricity when the batteries are fully charged. How you install the interface will depend on the type of turbine you purchase. Typically, it is a high-voltage cable that will be labeled as such that will be hooked to the interface.
- 4). Choose the area to put the delicate electronics and the batteries. This area should be dry, free of debris and off the ground. The electric inverter will need plenty of ventilation and a heat resistant surface. Make sure the batteries are grounded by connecting them to a copper spike driven about 3 feet into the ground. Grounding the batteries prevents electrical arcs that could burn, electrocute or destroy nearby objects.
- 5). Connect the wires from the turbine to the inverter, the ground and the batteries. The electric inverter will convert the direct current (DC) generated by the turbine to the alternating current (AC) used in most households. There are four wires that will run from the turbine. Connect the ground wire---it will be labeled and should be black---to the inverter.
- 6). Connect the other three wires to the interface using the instructions that come with your interface. Use the connecting wires from the interface and connect them to the inverter. Now connect the inverter to the grid. Consult your local utility company about connecting to the grid. Area laws may require that the utility company complete this step for you.
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