Good siting is important for good production.
If you have the right elements at your location then you can enjoy the benefits of generating a large portion of your energy needs.
Where should you install this system?
Specifics for Maui are given as an example. The manufacturer, Southwest Windpower recommends installing Skystream 3.7 at sites with the following criteria:
- Adequate wind resource: Minimum average wind speed for a Skystream is 10 mph (4.5 m/s). Ideal sites have 12 mph (5.4 m/s) average wind speed or greater. Maui experiences good average wind speeds in many areas. Each location is unique and requires a site assessment.
- Site free from obstructions: Clean, unobstructed wind is best for the Skystream 3.7. The top of the tower should be a minimum of 20 feet above any surrounding object within a 250 foot radius. Although the windmill may be installed on smaller lots of land, properties of a half an acre or more are typically ideal as they are more likely to have unobstructed wind.
- Suitable zoning: Tower installation must comply with local zoning regulations. Agricultural and rural zoning and most business zonings are suitable in Maui County. It is also advisable to make sure there are no HOA (Home Owner Association) regulations that prohibit the use of towers.
- Regions where electricity costs are $0.10/kWh or greater: Maui Electric Company’s residential rates are about 4X that. The rates change often and fluctuate with the price of oil. October ‘08 rates were $.42 kWh.
Low Profile
The Mono pole towers range in height from 34 feet to 60 feet making the Skystream system a possibility for a wide range of communities and zoning areas. |
Super Efficient Power
Designed to produce energy in very low winds, Skystream 3.7™ begins producing power in an 8 mph breeze with full output achieved at 29 mph. Skystream may produce 400 kWh per month. That is 40 - 80% of the electrical needs of most homes. → wind turbine info
Windward ...
"Price was a leading factor. Actual projected savings and payback on our investment were also big concerns. Aesthetics also played a part in our decision and we thought the Skystream structure itself was very attractive to look at. We felt our neighbors would not consider it an eyesore either. Of course, we want to try to help the environment, what with all the news reports all about going "green" and we wanted to be a part of that movement. We also believe that if/when we ever retire and sell the house, having a wind turbine up and running and saving on electric bills would be a big plus to any future owners." - Nancy from Texas
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