Alternative energy generation for the home is on the increase, with many domestic installation options on the market, including solar, water and wind generators.

This windmill uses a small stepper motor from a computer floppy drive to charge nicad batteries.

But the initial cost of a "free" power supply is considerable and it can take many years, if ever, to pay for such an installation.

In this article. we look at a new trend in home-made windmills – and next month show you how you can build your own 300W windmill.

Home-made wind generators have been around for decades, with designs as varied as the people who build them. But why would you build your own windmill?

Why not buy a ready-made one, or use solar cells. After all, solar cells are reliable and virtually maintenance free.

The answer is simple: cost!

You can’t make your own solar cells at home; they need specialised equipment and clean rooms. But you can build your own wind generator for a fraction of the cost of a similar power sized solar array or commercial wind generator.