What size wind generator do I need to replace my electricity-winter 800kwh summer 2400kwh?
August 3, 2009 by Power Generator and Backup Power Tips
Filed under More Generators Answers
Can you answer savermom’s question about Generators?:
I live in a very windy place and would like to consider a wind generator - I don’t know how to figure out what output I would need - my electric usage monthly varies from 800KWh in winter to 2400KWh in summer.
Solar Powered Generators
I live in a very windy place and would like to consider a wind generator - I don’t know how to figure out what output I would need - my electric usage monthly varies from 800KWh in winter to 2400KWh in summer.
Solar Powered Generators
Generators Feedback: The quick answer is 2400kwh would probably need close to a 20kw generator but if you want to get an average for the year maybe 1600kwh average you might get away with 10kw.
Very windy is a relative term so you will need to look at a wind map. Go to and select your state and then find your area.
You will need to take that information and check it against a power curve for different wind turbines. This is one for a few turbines in the 10 to 20kw range. This will give you an annual output for this brand of wind turbine. If you look at the chart the left column is the 20 and the far right is the 10 and notice how different the outputs are from just 12 to 15 mph wind speed, that is why an accurate wind speed is important.
Also I don’t know about your place but where I live we have much better winds in the winter than summer so for me average through the year is what I go by.
Generators Feedback: For a wasteful family of 5, you need to make about 180 watts an hour every hour of the day, 365 days a year.. Your ‘padding’ for windless days will either be batteries (mildly expensive) or solar PV (exceptionally expensive).
Look up your local wind data and use that average wind speed and various prop sizes to calculate what type of system you want. Simply change the prop diameter and wind speed to see the approximate wattage and amperage you can expect for a 12 volt system from any reasonable airfoil. If you see a claim of more power from a smaller blade diameter, it probably isn’t accurate.
If you are running a 24 volt DC system, divide the amps by 2. If you are running a 48 volt DC system, divide the amps by 4.
1KW=1000 watts
1 HP=746 watts
Below is an article I found that you might find interesting.