Purpose This paper aims to present the project of a permanent magnet synchronous machine which can be used as generator in the vertical axis wind turbine. Design/methodology/approach In the study, finite element analysis was used to perform simulation research of electrical machines. Based on the simulation studies, an experimental model was built. The paper presents also selected experimental results. Findings During the research, it was found that the radial arrangement of the permanent magnets is more favorable than the tangential one for the selected structure of the generator with permanent magnets. Research limitations/implications During the experimental research, a problem was encountered involving the correct control of the constructed generator at low rotational speeds. Practical implications The proposed solution can be used in low-speed vertical axis wind turbines. Social implications The presented research fits the global trend toward the use of alternative and renewable energy sources. Originality/value The paper presents new simulation studies of two low-speed generator topologies. The results for the radial and tangential arrangement of the permanent magnets in the rotor were verified. Based on this research, an experimental prototype of a generator for a slow-speed vertical axis wind turbine was built.