A relatively simple and low cost method for making permanent magnet wind turbine electric generators from burnt out squirrel cage induction motors, has been described in this paper. Different types of generators used in wind turbines and the general properties sought in a wind turbine generator are discussed first, and then the procedure of how to make a workable, multi-pole, low speed, permanent magnet generator, from burnt out ordinary squirrel cage induction motors easily available at through away prices in the junk markets, is described. Finally, the test results of a 500 W and a 1500 W generator developed this way are presented with their cost and performance analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.