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Skystream 3.7 Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is a Skystream 3.7? Skystream 3.7, developed by Southwest Windpower in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is the newest generation in residential wind technology. Skystream 3.7 has a 1.8 kW rating and is the first fully integrated small wind generator specifically designed for the utility connected market. Skystream 3.7 is designed for homeowners looking to reduce their monthly electric bills. Skystream 3.7 is a down-wind (wind hits the blades on the downward side of the tower), direct drive (gearless or no transmission) permanent magnet wind generator. Skystream 3.7 uses an innovative 12 ft. rotor and produces approximately 400 kWh per month in a 12 mph wind. The initial prototype has been operating at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado since devolvement and has undergone extensive performance; reliability and duration testing in accordance with internationally accepted testing standards.
What will it cost and how long will it take to pay for itself? Skystream 3.7 installation costs range from $18,000 to $22,000 depending on tower height and installation conditions. Price includes the generator, operation controls, inverter, tower, and installation. Axium Solar has tower height options available to accommodate a location’s wind resource. Skystream 3.7 is capable of producing energy at a fraction of the cost of other small wind generators. Depending on the installation price, average wind speed, local cost of electricity, Skystream 3.7 can have the fastest payback of any small wind generator.
What makes the product unique? Skystream 3.7 is the first all-inclusive wind generator with controls and inverter built-in. Skystream 3.7 was designed for very low winds, reaching rated power at just over 23 mph. In addition to the innovative technology, Southwest Windpower invested heavily in tooling to reduce component cost. Doing so makes it possible to sell the Skystream 3.7 at a very low price. Its full 1800 watts is achieved at 20 mph with a maximum rotor speed of 325 rpm. Because of the exceptionally low rpm the machine operates quitely. The wind generator is both a clean source of energy and an attractive addition to your home.
Is wind right for you? Axium Solar recommends installing Skystream 3.7 at sites with the following criteria:
*Adequate wind resource: Minimum average wind speed for Skystream is 10 Mph. Ideal sites have 12 mph average wind or greater.
*Site free from obstructions. Clean unobstructed wind is best for Skystream 3.7. The top of the tower should be a minimum of 20 ft. above any surrounding object within a 300 ft. radius. Although the machine can be installed on smaller lots of land, properties of one acre or more are ideal, as they typically have more powerful and unobstructed wind.
*Suitable zoning: Tower installation must comply with local zoning regulations. It is also advisable to make sure there are no HOA (Home Owners Association) regulations that prohibit the use of towers.
*Interconnection with utility: Local utility boards must allow for interconnection. The 1979 PURPA act requires that small systems can connect to the electrical grid; but homeowners should consult with their local utility. All utilities in the North Texas area allows grid connectivity.
*Electricity cost of $.10/kwh or greater. Check your bill or with your utility to obtain your rate structure.
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