Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for the ‘Wind’ Category

As the small wind industry grows, it’s becoming easier to buy certain models of turbines online and from big-box retailers.  For example, Southwest Windpower offers the Skystream 3.7 through Home Depot and now offers the Whisper 100 through Lowe’s.  Whisper 100 can produce up to 100 kWh a month in moderate to high winds, according to Southwest Windpower.

The 900-watt generator has carbon fiber blades and a rotor diameter of seven feet. The turbine weighs 47 pounds, cuts in at 7.5 mph, and produces 100 kWh/per month in 12 mph winds.  Whisper 100, like other models in the Whisper line, is suitable for powering things like batteries, remote homes, and water pumps.

The price of Whisper 100 varies by location and installation cost; however, I found it listed on Lowes.com for about $2,600.  Plus, purchasers may be able to take advantage of local, state, and federal incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit.

[+] More about Whisper 100 from Southwest Windpower.

Credits: Southwest Windpower. 

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. Small Wind Now Available at Home Depot
2. New Small Wind Turbine Unveiled at CES
3. Honeywell Wind Turbine Coming Soon!

This is the donQi urban wind turbine, which is assembled in Rotterdam.  It’s an interesting small wind product and the subject of a recent article in the September 2011 issue of Dwell.  In the article, Second to None, Jane Szita describes a Passive House near Amsterdam by architect Pieter Weijnen.  The home has some beautiful Japanese-style charred siding and a sleek-white, residential donQi.

The donQi was originally installed directly on the home, but Weijnen had to move it because the vibrations ended up being too noisy.

Which raises an issue that comes up with residential-scale turbines.  People look at new turbine styles, such as the Honeywell Wind Turbine, and think about planting the turbine on the roof.  That may or may not be a smart idea — i.e., hire a great engineer — because vibration and noise will be an issue.  Make it easy, install it separately.

[+] More info on Rotterdam-made donQi urban wind turbines.

Credits: donQi. 

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. Eddy GT Home VAWT Installed in Florida
2. Building Integrated Wind in Chicago
3. Eddy: Sleek New Small Wind Turbine

Recently Southwest Windpower announced the availability of the popular Skystream 3.7 wind turbine at select Home Depot stores.  The move puts small wind within reach of more customers as the industry expands every year.  Southwest will start the installation program in Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and California with additional states in the near future.

The grid-connected Skystream 3.7 is compact, has a built in inverter, and produces up to 400 kWh of clean electricity per month, depending on wind and site factors (assuming a 12 mph average annual wind speed).  It has three blades, cuts in at 8 mph, weighs 205 pounds, and has a 12-foot diameter.

The price of Skystream 3.7 varies by location and installation cost.  Plus, purchasers may be able to take advantage of local, state, and federal incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit.

Speaking about the program, Dixon Thayer, CEO of Southwest Windpower, said, “We are excited to help residential and commercial customers take advantage of their area’s exceptional wind resource by using Skystream 3.7 to produce clean, emissions-free energy,” according to a press release.

This announcement corresponds with recent news of solar companies offering their products through home improvement retailers.  For example, Lowe’s  and Sungevity entered into an agreement to offer an affordable solar lease program to Lowe’s customers through an interactive, in-store experience.

[+] Find a Home Depot with the Skystream 3.7 turbine.

Credits: Southwest Windpower.

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. New Small Wind Turbine Unveiled at CES
2. The State of Small Wind [Interview]
3. Honeywell Wind Turbine Coming Soon!

Renewable energy is power which comes from resources that are natural and will not be depleted. Such resources have always existed and can be explained as a constant supply of power for life. A regular supply can be maintained from the original source.

These sources include wind, water, geothermal heat, sun, tides and rain which are the prime sources which are able to meet our everyday needs. Both industrial and domestic needs can be taken care of with this power. The rewards for homeowners include saving money in the long term when they use energy efficient appliances. In addition they also benefit from a clean environment as a result of using them.

There are also benefits to small business owners as they can save money on utilities. Those who provide the electricity can benefit from the sizeable income which is generated from the clean power which they produce. In addition there are several job opportunities which can be of benefit to many professionals as they provide efficient renewable power to homes and businesses.

Such jobs will help to reduce the unemployment rate. Any costs will depend on what products are produced. Several governments in the various countries make good deals available as tax incentives for those users who have installed any clean power systems.

By doing this the government makes sure that every consumer switches to clean power. With the adoption of decentralization in second and third world countries, industries and urbanization finds its way to the rural areas where it is close to the most underused sources.

There is no environmental pollution caused by this type of power and this is a very big benefit. It sticks to the safety policies that are set by most industries and countries. Owing to the fact that renewable energy sources will never be depleted, it provides the most appropriate choice that people can use.

Check out our site to learn more about renewable energy and its benefits, today. You can also find information about different types of renewable resources, now!