With a motor and some piping, it's surprisingly easy to build this inexpensive, efficient wind generator - and enjoy free energy forever.

There are no limits to what you can do with wind power. It's abundant, clean, cheap, and easy to harness. Abe and Josie Connally designed this Chispito Wind Generator (that's Spanish for "little spark") for fast and easy construction. Most of the tools and materials you need to build it can be found in your local hardware shop or junk pile. The authors recommend that you search your local dump or junkyards for the pieces required. Or, if you live in a city, search freecycle.org for salvaged parts, and see if you can install one on your roof.

Anyone can be in control of where his or her electricity comes from, and there is nothing more rewarding and empowering than making a wind-powered generator from scrap materials. Remember: puro yonke (pure junk) is best!

This project first appeared on the pages of Make: Technology on Your Time Volume 05, which is sold out and no longer available.