As we learn more about wind power and its ability to generate clean renewable energy, we are also discovering that all we have to do is go to our history books to find these original ideas. Energy was needed for water in remote areas and turning crops into grain.

The Egyptians used vertical wind power to grind their wheat 3,000 years ago and now some companies are toying with the idea of vertical wind mills on a small scale basis for residential use. They are especially effective where the wind shifts directions or where a stead wind flow is not reliable.

A three kilowatt version is powerful enough to generate enough power for one household without the noise, extreme height or large amount of land needed as that of the horizontal units. Further, environmentalists will be happy to hear that there is no danger of birds and bats being drawn into a vertical turbine because of the unique design and rotation.

People who like artistic designs would love these models since they are designed so beautifully. These days, one of these models is becoming quite popular in a lot of parts in the UK. The charging points of these vertical towers are being set up by Mercedes Benz in collaboration with the manufacturers. The power generated by these will hopefully suffice for a per year driving of 30,000 miles for the new electric care product of Mercedes Benz, Smart fortwo.

A 500 watt unit is also installed in the garage of Jay Leno along with a bigger 10kw model in his garage which measures about 17,000 square feet. Though, these days the preliminary investment and installation charges are astronomical ($20,000), slowly as the demand for these units will increase, most residential owners will be able to afford these units. Many of Jay Leno’s practically applied ideas can be found at the Popular Mechanics website.

Apart from the residential complexes, hotels are also using this vertical turbine on their rooftops across the world from New Zealand to London. In a recent event, independently tested model in Utah was unveiled at Washington in US Botanical Garden and received a lot of critical acclaim. Most of these units are smaller than six feet and are being hailed for a myriad of possibilities that they have opened up.

There is also a different kind of vertical windmill which uses the principles of sailing engineering. Solar cells cover the turbine vanes which helps in generating a combination of solar and wind power. If you want something which can help you to harness the wind or solar energy but is not heavy or bulky, this could be a great option for you. A lot of awarded and patented inventions are being marketed in the past years and new inventions are being created.

As we discover more and more about our history of energy, options available and the realism that this will work, you can’t help but get excited about all of the new technology today in renewable energy. Join a few websites on green energy and stay abreast on the latest inventions. Germany is a leader in promoting wind energy and many international sites are available as well. Don’t settle for what you feel is unrealistic in alternative energy when there are so many choices coming on the market.

If you want to know How to build a wind generator you can get off the grid and learn How to build a wind generator by clicking on this link.