Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the company based?
Pacific Coast Windmills is a privately-owned company based in Sonoma County, CA and manufactures 100% of its products locally.
Is a permit required for ornamental windmills?
Permits are usually not required for ornamental windmills.
How tall are the windmills?
Both versions come with either a 15 ft or 20ft frame.
The total height at the top of the fan is:
15 ft Frame = 18 ft
20 ft Frame = 23 ft
Is a permit required for power-producing windmills?
Every county/city is different so it is best to check with your local city department to understand what the local ordinances and permit requirements are.
Do you have a power-producing version?
We are currently working on a power-producing version and plan to have it available beginning of 2024.
Can these pump water?
The power-producing windmill we are currently developing will allow you to capture and store electricity in a battery which could then be used to power other things such as a low-voltage water pump, low-voltage lighting, fountain, etc.
Are the moving components on the windmill serviceable?
Yes. All of the components on the windmill that have grease are engineered to hopefully never require additional grease. However, in the event they do, the fan bearings, bearings supporting the vertical shaft, and tail-fin mounting mechanism have zerk fittings that enable someone to use a grease gun to replenish the grease.
Does the windmill need to be lowered or removed when servicing the bearings?
No. However, we recommend contacting us and scheduling a date and time for us to come and service the windmill for you. If you choose to do it yourself you can use a 24ft extension ladder to access these components. It is strongly advised that this only be performed in clear weather with two people and that the ladder is securely anchored/tied to the windmill frame.
How are the windmills installed?
High-strength concrete anchors with embedded 3/8” galvanized eye hooks are first installed in the ground. Each leg of the windmill has heavy-duty rust-resistant steel hooks attached to the legs using grade 8 bolts and locknuts. Heavy-duty rust-resistant turnbuckles secure the windmill legs to the concrete anchors.
Can customers assemble and install the windmills themselves?
No. These windmills are not a kit.
Can customers install the windmill themselves?
No. The installation requires specialized equipment and rigging in order to safely raise and install the windmill.
What areas do you service?
Primarily northern California but special considerations may be considered.
Do the windmills have a self-braking mechanism?
Every windmill is engineered with a self-braking mechanism that allows the fan to turn away (out of the wind) when the wind speed (wind velocity) is too high.
How long does an installation usually take?
On average, most installs can be done in a single day and take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours.
What constitutes a “standard installation”?
Standard installation depends on the location, access, topography, and soil composition.
Are there additional charges incurred during installation?
Every installation is different and it depends on the location, access, topography, and soil composition.
Additional charges may apply for the following:
Excessive clearing and leveling of ground at the installation location
Excessive removal of rocks, stumps, roots, and other debris
Long distance from truck to install location (portage)
Can customers add their own text/logo to the tailfin?
Absolutely. Tailfins can be personalized and customized to meet the desired interests of each customer. Additional charges may apply.
Can the fan tips have other colors?
YES. Additional charges may apply.
Can other components of the windmill be customized? EX: I want my windmill to have Green components instead of the traditional Red.
YES. Additional charges may apply.
Do you offer custom one-of-a-kind versions?
YES.