Another method of running your house off of a homemade generator setup involves a bank of batteries, power inverter (s), and using automotive alternators in a small backyard windmill or other power sources like a lawn mower engine to turn the alternator. An example of a 12v generator built with a lawnmower-style engine can be seen here.. The diagram shows a laptop battery being attached for charging from a windmill generator, other types of batteries may also be charged using the same circuit, simply by adjusting the value of the T2 zener diode.
DIY Size & Build a Battery Power Backup Generator W/ 12V Deep Cycle Batteries: ***NOTE: Be careful when working with batteries and electricity. Do not short batteries.. Gasoline powered generators also may be used to recharge the 12 volt DC batteries of portable equipment. The 12 volt DC batteries allow equipment and appliances to be used in the absence of a power grid, but have limited run time available. Use these tips to learn how to build a generator.