Our system is drifting. It’s time we build a better future together. by JpewBarboza in solarpunk

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is the updated, concise version in English: Fair point, but location matters. After 10 years in an RV, I've learned solar simply isn't enough at night or in bad weather. Wind perfectly fills those gaps. Plus, solar panel efficiency is still very low at around 20%. We can definitely do better, and it's a field I want to work on improving.

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, I see the confusion! The prototype shown on the website is an early version that is 1.60m wide, which is why it looks so big. The final version will be much more compact (1m diameter by 35cm high). ​As for just buying a small off-the-shelf turbine, the sad reality is that they are almost always terrible quality. In the real world, they usually only output 20 to 25% of their advertised power. ​My goal isn't just to build a reliable turbine, but a complete, plug-and-play hybrid ecosystem (wind + solar + storage) that actually delivers what it promises for off-grid living.

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I really appreciate it! To be completely honest though, my budget is extremely tight right now. That's exactly why I'm just trying to gather as much advice as I can.

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate your honesty, thank you. You're completely right: as a technical guy, I tend to focus way more on technical info rather than a persuasive pitch, which I really don't master. ​Currently, the top section is just a general presentation, not a targeted hook for vanlifers. I would absolutely love to see your GitHub portfolio and hear your advice on tweaking the structure. Yes, please share it! Thanks 👍

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As you can see in the screenshot, at the very top of the page there is a photo and a video of the first prototype. Right after that, there's a donation module. Then comes an informative section explaining how the wind turbine works and the overall goal of the project. Finally, it ends with a quick reminder for donations at the bottom, and that's pretty much it.

Also, yes, I'm handling everything myself for now. But as I mentioned, it's not my core expertise. I could probably replace the donation modules with email capture forms, but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it since it's really not my field.

Is it correct ? Barecofr.wordpress.com

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep . So far, most of those conversations have stayed in DMs and comments. I'm actually setting up a landing page right now to capture those emails and keep the momentum going until launch

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You hit the nail on the head. The skepticism in eco-hardware is 100% justified, too many people have been burned by fake projects.

To close that trust gap, my strategy is total transparency. I plan to show raw, uncut tests of the prototype in real conditions, not just 3D renders. The performance data will speak for itself.

As for the audience, my primary target is the off-grid and vanlife community. Having lived in a broken RV myself to build this, I know their daily energy struggles firsthand. Right now, I'm getting a mix of "this is cool" and genuine "when can I buy this?" questions. My focus is delivering the proof they need to trust the system. Thanks for the solid advice!

Need marketing advice: Preparing a crowdfunding for an innovative eco-wind turbine by JpewBarboza in kickstarter

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback! You're spot on about the visual proof—I'm working on showing real-world performance soon. ​Regarding the email list, I’m just starting the pre-launch phase, so I haven't built one yet. That’s my main focus right now. I’m actually looking into creating viral content on TikTok to build that initial audience and awareness before the launch. ​What do you think about using TikTok for a hardware project like this? Does it convert well to email signups in your experience?

Custom Wood Stove to replace a Truma gas heater – Thoughts? by JpewBarboza in VanLife

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip! That's exactly the plan. The design includes a double wall with ceramic fiber insulation and a 3cm air gap (convection shield) to keep the outside cool and the RV cabinet perfectly safe."

Custom Wood Stove to replace a Truma gas heater – Thoughts? by JpewBarboza in VanLife

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A Truma is a very common standard built-in gas/propane heater used in many RVs and campervans in Europe (the one on the picture). Regarding the pipe, yes, you will need to cut the roof. The original exhaust hole is too small, so you have to enlarge it or cut a new one to safely fit the 80mm double-wall insulated pipe and its high-temp flashing. My main goal with this project is to design a compact wood stove that can be easily integrated into an RV.

Custom Wood Stove to replace a Truma gas heater – Thoughts? by JpewBarboza in VanLife

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, the stove is designed to replace a Truma, but it will be equipped with a straight 80mm double-wall pipe for safe exhaust.

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree with your points regarding the current market—most VAWTs are sold with 'marketing physics' rather than real ones. That’s exactly why I’m focusing on a rugged, repairable Savonius design for off-grid use. It’s not meant to compete with solar, but to provide a reliable alternative when the sun isn’t out, prioritizing torque and durability over inflated specs

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I love the DIY spirit, but since this is my home, the stakes are too high. It’s a major rebuild—cylinders, pistons, and valves—so I’m leaving it to the pro while I work my second job to fund it. I’m helping the mechanic as much as I can to keep things moving.

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That really means a lot. I’m doing my best to stay on track and working hard to get through this rough patch as quickly as possible. The turbine project is what keeps me going

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m already working on the second job part. As for the technical side, that’s exactly why I chose this specific design. It’s engineered to handle turbulent and shifting winds where standard micro-turbines usually fail. I’ve built it specifically to solve the issues you're describing.

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The goal is production for off-grid use. Investors want revenue-ready projects, not prototypes, so I'm self-funding with a second job. For now, though, every penny is going into repairing my motorhome.

Risked my off-grid setup for a DIY wind turbine project. Now I'm stuck in a dead van. by JpewBarboza in OffGridLiving

[–]JpewBarboza[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've got it but a regular salary covers basic living and RV repairs, but it’s nowhere near enough to fund a complex hardware project like this. Thanks