As a nation of DIY fanatics it's surprising that more of us aren't getting out there and building our own renewable energy. Given the rapid increase in energy prices this century, and that DIY solar hot water kits and courses are popular in Austria and Germany, I'd expect more people to be doing it. The satisfaction of generating your own power from something you've built yourself must be enormous.

So, if you live somewhere windy, and like the idea of being creative, why not sign up for V3 Power's wind turbine self-build course which runs from 23 - 27 November? During the week the group will build a 2.4m turbine, a 7m tower and install an off-grid battery system. You'll end up with all the skills you need to build and install your own turbine. These include blade carving, coil winding, stator casting, and welding.

The turbine is sized to power a low energy household off-grid, but can be modified to be joined to the grid. The emphasis is on simplicity and reliability, so that it's easy to maintain. The embodied energy of the build is reduced by using recycled materials where possible.

The course is run on a not-for-profit basis by V3 Power co-operative, and takes place just outside Stamford in Lincolnshire. The cost is £450 waged, £400 low waged, £350 unwaged. Contact Tom or Aran at V3 Power to book a place on the course.

Photo: V3 Power

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