Small Wind Generator Announced

A new small residential wind generator from Southwest Windpower will give homeowners another choice in the fight against rising electricity costs. Skystream 3.7(TM) is the first fully integrated wind generator designed specifically for the grid-connected residential market.

A combination of new technologies, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, resulted in a product that quietly produces electricity for a fraction of the cost of current technologies. According to Skystream the generators low cost and low profile provides homeowners an affordable energy supplement that's appropriate for installation in many residential areas around the country. With no batteries, Skystream 3.7 connects directly to the home to supply power. When the wind is not blowing, the home is powered by the electric utility. Depending on the local utility, excess electricity can be sold back to the utility or used at a later date.

"Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and take control of their energy costs," said Andrew Kruse, co-founder of Southwest Windpower. "Wind energy for the individual homeowner is finally main-stream."

With a typical cost of $8,000 to $10,000 to purchase and install, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in 5 to 12 years. This payback period will vary and can be much quicker in states with investment rebates. It's anticipated that Skystream 3.7 will save the average homeowner $500 to $800 per year, based on 4,800 to 6,600 kWh produced per year and a $0.12/kWh cost of electricity. This output would provide 40 to 90 percent of an average home's energy needs. In states like Hawaii, where the cost of energy and wind speeds are both high, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in less than 4 years.

"This new technology is an important step forward for small wind," said Robert Thresher, director of NREL's National Wind Technology Center. "As technology becomes more efficient at harnessing energy at low wind speeds, small-scale users will become more and more able to take advantage of wind power."

About Southwest Windpower

Flagstaff Arizona-based Southwest Windpower is the world's largest producer of small wind generators (400 to 3000 watts). The 20-year old company has been a pioneer in the development of wind technology and has produced over 90,000 generators that provide power to residential homes, remote cabins, telecom transmitters, offshore platforms, water pumping and sailboats. Southwest Windpower distributes in more than 88 countries.

Wind Energy Goes Mainstream With New Residential Small Wind Generator, Southwest Windpower press release, June 27, 2006
Skystream 7 FAQ (pdf)
Southwest Windpower, Flagstaff, AZ USA

Comments

[hamerhokie]

Having a hard time with the "fraction of the cost" comment. At an installed cost of $10K, a 1.8 KW unit is a bit more than $5/W and I've seen them in the $3/W range.

[Andy Kruse]

Hi Everyone. I am from Southwest Windpower and I appreciate the posting. It is important to understand this is not about $/watt. It is really about $/kWh. Skystream is designed for low wind averages and it has a rated output at 20 mph. Most small wind generators rate their outputs between 25 and 31 MPH. Furthermore, the cost of Skystream includes the grid tie inverter. The best way to understand cost of energy is look at energy production at a given wind speed over a period of time. We use the life of the wind generator which is 20 years. Solar often uses 30 years. We then divide the total energy production by the installed cost and maintenance to get to cost of energy.

In designing Skystream we focused on innovative technology and high volume tooling. This has allowed us keep the cost of energy down.

I would be happy to answer any questions people may have regarding Skystream.

Andy Kruse

[gandrabhsain khan]

please do not buy gas on sundays for a few weeks , limit travel and hopefully oil companies will get the message, please pass it on.

[S Beagley]

I hope you do not mind me posting.

I have just finished my first advice website on How to Buy a Generator called
www.whatgenerator.com and thought your website visitors might find the information useful.

I have spent 5 years in the generator industry, and have in-depth knowledge which I would like to pass on.

Free Advice on Buying A Generator

www.whatgenerator.com

Best regards,

S Beagley
www.Whatgenerator.com

http://www.whatgenerator.com

[Gus Ryan]

I am looking to install a 10 to 15KW wind generator.
I would like to hear comments from anyone who has a system close to this about their reliability. I have heard some bad things about some of the systems out there.
Thanks,
Gus

[federico lazaro]

HOLA, MUY BUENOS DIAS, I wonder PRICES AND DELIVERY TIMES (MADRID-SPAIN) TECHNICAL DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION OF WIND TURBINES FOR SALE HERE IN SPAIN.

SALUDOS Y HASTA PRONTO.

[Bob]

What about the long term maintenance program please.

[Bob]

I am sorry but in regards to the maintenance also does the well depth come into play. Thanks very much.

[Kate]

Check out www.prevailingenergy.com for information on wind generators from home

[domestic wind turbine]

"please do not buy gas on sundays for a few weeks , limit travel and hopefully oil companies will get the message, please pass it on".

Ridiculous idea, do research.

http://idigibuzz.com

[Eric law]

Southwest windpower = overpriced garbage Http://Hurricanewindpower.com
had turbine that will outperform the whisper at 1/3 of the cost

[wind generator]

We should provide a guide of small wind turbines. This will help more people to use small wind turbines.

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[renewable sources]

This is a brilliant post. Wind is an efficient source of renewable energy. Scientists are constantly developing and exploring innovative ways to harness this energy.