Zoetrope - Simple DIY 200 Watt Wind Turbine Built From Household Materials
 

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/attach...1&d=1400595707

This is a different design than I've seen with PVC. Its made out of stove pipe, and other common things you can get. It isn't tiny, but I do find it a bit hard to believe it puts out 150-200W for its size... However, the construction guide is VERY detailed, and is written with such depth that basically anyone could build it. Perhaps I'll price out what the BOM would cost. Obviously there is a bunch of time too.

Simple DIY 200 Watt Wind Turbine Built From Household Materials

Applied Sciences - Building Plans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5OV9cF1x64

Vertical axis wind turbines spin but don't effectively generate a reasonable amount of energy. All of the other wind generation rules apply too no matter which wind generator type. Wind generation best takes place well above the ground level, usually 50 feet above surrounding terrain(50 above the trees, houses etc) is the rule of thumb minimum, with 100-150 feet for residential, agri, and non-utility commercial being common. Despite there being a wind turbine placed in Hennepin county by Great River Energy, our wind resource is terrible compared to other places. Sure it turns, but the return on investment they were going for was PR and it will never make sense financially(if you ignore the PR indirect benefit).

Yeah, thats kind of what I was getting at. However, if it is cheap/easy enough to make, it could be worth it.