Wind & Hydro Power!

Wind power is an old concept in the sense that people have been making use of the energy in the wind for centuries.  From the oldest sailing ships to the windmills that were used to grind grain and pump water, mankind has long understood the potential of harnessing the wind to do some of his work.  A few years ago, wind power got some bad press that it didn't deserve and people got nervous about the idea of using a residential wind generator to make electricity.  Some communities even passed ordinances against wind turbines.

But modern wind turbines have overcome many of those earlier problems such as excessive noise, and modern culture is embracing wind energy as it emerges as a useful alternative to environmentally unfriendly energy sources such as oil and coal.  On the home power level, wind power is even more viable now than it was in the days when every remote farm had a wind machine to pump water or to power a few lights.  Many people are turning to the idea of erecting their own wind generator to power a remote home, pump water for livestock or domestic use, or as a grid-tie power source.

Probably the most important point to consider is that wind power is VERY site-specific.  That means that if your location isn't good for wind power, it simply isn't going to work for you with any degree of satisfaction, no matter how much you want it to.  Solar power by comparison, will work anywhere that there is unobstructed sunlight, a situation that is much more common for most residences.  A wind turbine however, requires a tower that is at least 30 feet higher than any obstruction within a 300 foot radius.  This is a minimum.  Even with a very tall tower, a heavily forested or mountainous area will probably produce more air turbulence than a flat plain, and therefore the wind generator will be less productive.  Turbulence means lost power, even if the wind speed average is good.  Also, the wind should be reliable and average wind speed should be fast enough to produce some real power from your investment.  You should have average wind speeds of 12 MPH or more to get good results.  Finally, you shouldn't have too much wind.  An area that is prone to serious wind storms increases the chance that your expensive wind turbine will be blown down, along with the tower.

Altogether, this means that many, if not most of the people interested in wind power do not have a suitable location for good results.  Low wind speeds, local obstructions such as trees and buildings, or plentiful wind storms (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.) are all indicators that another power source is probably more appropriate.  Remember that a tall tower will probably cost more than the wind turbine that it supports.  A tower should also include a "fall zone" around it that is clear of buildings and people in case it should be blown down.  Wind energy is a grand thing, but don't overlook the realities.  Conventional wisdom suggests that a recording anemometer (wind speed measuring device) should be erected at the proposed site and data recorded for a year to ascertain the viability of the wind energy at that location.  Though often difficult to implement, this is a very good idea to ensure success with your wind investment.  Is it beginning to sound as if I'm talking you out of wind power?  Absolutely not!  I simply want you to be satisfied with your purchase.

On this page, you will find a selection of wind turbines that are often the choice for small residential systems.  I do not specialize in wind power, although I have a small wind turbine that contributes to my power system.  It usually makes its greatest contribution at night during changing weather.  At those times, it is sometimes adequate to compensate for my overnight loads, such as evening lighting, refrigerator and freezer, etc.  That's because I live in a forest and the location isn't really very good for wind power, unless I were to build a very tall tower.  I do have a good wind location on my property, but it is too far away for realistic power transmission, so solar power is still my best option.

Hydroelectric, micro-hydro, or just plain "hydro" power is even more site-specific than wind power.  A well engineered hydro system is the "holy grail" of home power production because it produces power continuously, unlike solar or wind power.  But a really good hydro site is very difficult to find, often expensive to develop, and potentially loaded with nuisance issues like winter freezing, debris that clogs the system, seasonal water flow variations, wear and maintenance, and water rights and regulations.  In other words, it is fantastic if it all works out well, but there is often a long way to travel between concept and completion of a working power system.  For these reasons and many more, I do  sell hydro equipment at this time, but I do not offer support for hydroelectric generators.  If you know what you want, I can probably get it for you and I will try to price match, but I don't design or troubleshoot hydro.  I also sell all of the other equipment needed to construct a power system, such as charge controls, batteries, inverters and power centers.



The Wind Data Logger APRS 6060 is designed to provide an affordable and easy-to-use solution for wind site evaluation, and wind generator performance.  The Data Logger APRS 6060 records wind speed, as well as time and date directly to a secure digital card (SDTM) providing easy to use data downloads.  A 128 Megabyte SDTM card (not included) will store weeks of data at 30 second intervals.  Microsoft Excel or most other spreadsheet programs can open the files to view, graph and analyze your data.  There is web based software that helps analyze your collected data, just upload your data and the software will plot and report basic statistics.  Side of Pole mounting hardware for solar panel sold separately(4960115, $44.00). The system includes a 10 watt solar PV module with a 7 ah battery with weatherproof enclosure.

4902705, APRS 6060 data logger ..... $608.00


Jarvis Deluxe Wind Data Logger is similar to the APRS 6060 but has no solar panel included.  Comes with an AC adapter for power, or will operate from a 7 volt to 30 volt DC (30 ma) power source (not included).  A small gel-cell battery will power this unit for months.  Records temperature, time, battery voltage and more.  Includes secure digital card, cables, instructions.

JARVIS DELUXE data logger ..... $375



The Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter fits right into the palm of your hand.  Keep in mind that although this is a good product, it is the wind speed at the top of the wind generator's tower that really counts.  This wind meter can be useful to help you get an objective idea of the wind speed at ground level as a preliminary step.

4902535, Kestrel 1000 Pocket wind meter ..... $84.00





Southwest Windpower is a familiar name in the ranks of residential-size wind generators.  They offer several units that fit the needs of home power systems, from the quick-and-easy Air X, to the grid-connected Skystream 3.7.


Air X comes in several models.  It is available as the Air X Land, which is the standard unit with built-in voltage regulator.  The Air X Marine is the same unit but outfitted to withstand salt-air environments such as on a coastline or aboard ship.  The Air X Industrial is the Land unit but without an internal voltage regulator.  Each of these models are available in 12, 24, or 48 volt configurations.  Of all the commonly available wind generators, the Air series is probably the easiest to install because it simply slips over the top of a 1-1/2" pipe, and the voltage regulation is built right into the unit.  Add a meter, fuse, lightning arrestor and stop switch and you're ready to charge batteries.  But keep in mind that these are small turbines rated at 400 watts @ 28 MPH, and their power production is limited even in good wind conditions.  An Air X 24V turbine is mounted at about 70' above ground at my home.  I have seen it produce 400 watts during a strong wind, but the wind here is not steady, and it probably averages only 80 to 100 watts during windy weather.

AIR X SPECIFICATIONS  

4940122, AIR X LAND, 12 volts ..... $726.00
4940242, AIR X LAND, 24 volts ..... $726.00
4948482, AIR X LAND, 48 volts ..... $726.00
4930302, AIR X MARINE, 12 volts ..... $916.00
4930312, AIR X MARINE, 24 volts ..... $916.00
4913032, AIR X MARINE, 48 volts ..... $916.00
4930202, AIR X INDUSTRIAL, 12 volts ..... $944.00
4913019, AIR X INDUSTRIAL, 24 volts ..... $944.00
4930182, AIR X INDUSTRIAL, 48 volts ..... $944.00


Air Breeze is the newest of the Air product line, rated for 200 watts @ 28 MPH, and is the same size as the Air X.  The manufacturer claims that the new design makes it especially quiet, while also providing higher power output at lower wind speeds.  This may be true, but the performance chart for the Breeze is rated in different units than the Air X chart, and the breeze is only 200 watts.  I simply can't see how the Breeze is more desirable, but maybe I'm missing something.  Like the X, it is internally regulated.

AIR BREEZE SPECIFICATIONS  

4920125, AIR BREEZE LAND, 12 volts ..... $726.00
4920245, AIR BREEZE LAND, 24 volts ..... $726.00
4920125, AIR BREEZE LAND, 48 volts ..... $726.00
4922125, AIR BREEZE MARINE, 12 volts ..... $917.00
4922895, AIR BREEZE MARINE, 24 volts ..... $917.00

I have replacement parts, switches, breakers, etc. for installation of these wind generators.  Also tower kits, both with or without the necessary pipe (you can buy the pipe locally).  For example, the complete 29' tower kit (with pipe) is $595.00 (part #4900292).  Learn more about towers HERE.  


Whisper 100 & 200 are mainstays of the small wind power market.  Whisper 100 has a maximum power output of 900 watts, while the Whisper 200 has a maximum of 1000 watts.  But the big difference is that the "100" has a 7-foot blade diameter, while the "200" has 9-foot blade diameter.  This means that the Whisper 200 produces more power in lighter winds, reaching peak power at about 25 MPH.  Whisper 100 is better suited for higher average wind speeds, reaching peak output at about 28 MPH.  Whisper 100 and 200 come complete with their own charge controller, and can be set for 12, 24, 36, or 48 volts (default is 24V).  Both models are available in a Marine version for salt air environments.

WHISPER 100/200 SPECS  

4900402, WHISPER 100 LAND ...... $2307.00
4910003, WHISPER 100 MARINE ...... $2595.00
4920442, WHISPER 200 LAND ...... $2960.00
4910003, WHISPER 200 MARINE ...... $3135.00
4900012, WHISPER 100/200 DIGITAL DISPLAY ..... $110.00

WHISPER 100/200 TOWERS:

4925340, 24' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $277.00
4925262, 30' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $518.00
4925272, 50' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $718.00
4925282, 65' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $972.00
4980802, 80' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $1192.00
4925322, 48" TOWER auger anchors (set of 4) ..... $193.00
4925332, 60" TOWER auger anchors (set of 4) ..... $249.00




Whisper 500 is the big daddy of the Whisper line, with 5000 watts rated output at 24 MPH.  Charge controller included.  Models available at 24, or 48 volts DC, and a "high voltage" model available which allows longer transmission lines from the turbine to your batteries.  A full 15-foot blade diameter makes this a serious machine that requires a hefty tower.  I do have 30', 42, and 70' tower kits available; you buy the pipe locally and anchors separately.  This is a wind turbine that will make significant electricity if your location has good wind potential. 

WHISPER 500 SPECS           WHISPER 500 TOWER  

4911445, WHISPER 500 24 volt ...... $8435.00
4920402, WHISPER 500 48 volt ...... $8435.00
4920432, WHISPER 500 high voltage ...... $7339.00
4912549, WHISPER 500 step-down transformer for HV...... $1626.00
xxxxxxx, WHISPER 500 digital display ...... $110.00

WHISPER 500 TOWERS:

4925162, 30' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $990.00
4925540, 42' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $1076.00
4925541, 70' TOWER KIT (no pipe or anchors) ..... $1589.00
4925322, 48" TOWER auger anchors (set of 4) ..... $193.00
4925332, 60" TOWER auger anchors (set of 4) ..... $249.00



Skystream 3.7 is Southwest Windpower's solution to grid-tie energy production.  With a 12-foot blade diameter, it has a rated capacity of 2400 watts @ 28 MPH, and produces 120/240 volts split-phase directly to the power grid, similar to the way a grid-tie solar array does.   When your Skystream is making more electricity than you are using, it will roll your electrical meter backward.  Skystream can also be used for charging batteries by using a standard AC battery charger. 

SKYSTREAM SPECIFICATIONS  

The Skystream can be erected on a sectional monopole tower.  That's a tower without any guy lines for support, so it takes a bare minimum of space on your property.  See the monopole installation manual HERE.  

4922012, SKYSTREAM 3.7 LAND 240 volt ...... $6178.00
4922022, SKYSTREAM 3.7 MARINE 240 volt ...... $6814.00

SKYSTREAM TOWERS AND PARTS:

4912222, 33.5' MONOPOLE TOWER (free shipping) ..... $3815.00
4945302, 45' MONOPOLE TOWER (free shipping) ..... $5263.00
4910065, 60' MONOPOLE TOWER (free shipping) ..... $10,992.00
4935382, SMART FOUNDATION KIT 33.5' & 45' tower ..... $1048.00
4922242, FOUNDATION BOLT KIT 32" ..... $513.00
4922232, FOUNDATION BOLT KIT 42" ..... $600.00
4913543, GIN POLE & HARDWARE for 33.5' & 45' tower ..... $871.00
4935442, HINGE PLATE & HARDWARE for 33.5' & 45' tower ..... $545.00
4922212, GIN POLE & HARDWARE for 33.5' tower only ..... $680.00
4922252, HINGE PLATE & HARDWARE for 33.5' tower only ..... $335.00

Bergey XL1 Windmill  is currently available in a 24 volt model.  The XL1 delivers 1000 watts in only 25 mph wind, and has a 5 year warranty.  Includes the BWC PowerCenter which controls charge voltage and a variety of standard functions.  Diversion load is possible, but not required.

BERGEY XL1 WINDMILL and controller ..... $2800
60 FOOT TOWER KIT ..... $1900
80 FOOT TOWER KIT ..... $2300
100 FOOT TOWER KIT ..... $2800



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