Where to start ????

[Mike in VT]

I am about to build a 3000 sq ft (50 x 60) workshop.

There is a fair bit of wind in our area (Vermont).

There are all kinds of rules about putting up a wind turbine. Heck, we don't even allow bill boards and cell towers here.

So, I began to think .... I have to cupolas designed into the shop.

I have them at 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft high. I could increase these to 6 ft x 6 ft.

Rather than put in grills (louvers), I could leave these open and put a wind turbine in them.

So, first question .... could I get say 500 watts out of a 6 x 6 x 6 area?

I started looking at designs on the web. Everyone has a different idea, everyone says their design is best.

I would need to go with something like a Savonius, Girumill or Darrieus, VAWT with AVP, ... or ?????

So what really is the best design ... and why?

Is there any site that compares all these designs ... pros, cons and output?

Also, what do you guys do about an inverter (figure I would use my wind turbine to charge up a few few batteries)? I figure there is two ways to go .... a cheap inverter and just isolate this line from the grid or a "real" inverter. It would need to be a 120/240 unit that also syncs to the line. I have found a few but they are very very very expensive.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks .... Mike