Includes

• Complete Skystream Wind Turbine
• Built in Inverter
• Charge Controller
• Mounting Options

Specs 

How does wind work?

Wind turbines are ideal for on-site energy generation and can be installed effectively in most locations. Wind turns the blades, spinning the shaft to generate power. The electricity goes into an inverter to convert DC to AC power, then is fed into batteries or the grid to spin the meter backwards.

Do I have enough wind?

While these turbine will produce at 7.5 MPH winds, choosing a site with at least 9-10 mph average wind is advised to make installing a wind turbine really worthwhile. Below is a map showing the wind in the US. Consult local records, the weather station, or a wind expert for verification. The actual wind speed at your site will be influenced by the local topography and any nearby obstructions such as trees or other buildings.

How tall is the wind tower?

A tower must be chosen to mount the turbine. In general the higher the tower the higher the sustained wind speed and the more power generated. Turbine should be installed as far as possible from buildings or trees which may block the wind s full potential. Install your turbine at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding trees or structures, ideally in a wide open space of 250 foot (76 m) radius. If you live in an agricultural area where crop dusting is common, or the site is close to an airport, review regulations for air traffic notification. Your Whisper will not likely need FAA lights as long as its total tower height is under 200 feet.

One thing to keep in mind is that taller towers may not be allowed in some areas. The tower kit available above provides everything but a schedule 40 pole and earth anchors, which are available at local hardware stores. Guyed towers are also a good choice as they can be hinged at the base, making it easier to lower to the ground for repairs and maintenance, or to avoid damage during extremely hazardous weather.

Installation?

Professional installation is recommended. Check out the Guide tab to see the tools required and to download the full manual. A disconnector switch may also be required by your local utility.

Do I need planning permission?

Wind energy installations may require some type of permission - it depends on where the site is. It is a good idea to do some research and seek approval from your local office. It is also courteous to discuss your plans with neighbors, and the community group if there is one.

If you need a permit, prepare the required paperwork and submit your permit application along with payment covering the filing fee. If a particular fee seems excessive or inappropriate for your situation, find out the basis for the fee. You may be able to avoid it or have it reduced. Contact the building permit agent in your town or county planning department to obtain any required forms to be filled out. Typical permitting procedures may include public hearings and zoning meetings, environmental review, drawing reviews, and fees. Typical elements looked at may include: minimum parcel size, allowable tower height, setbacks from property line, sound level limits, building code and electric code compliance. Download Whisper Wind Installation.pdf for helpful information relating to these requirements.

As an early adopter of wind generation in your community, you are playing an important role for the future of energy and the environment. Your leadership and efforts to navigate through your local process will help pave the way for others to follow. Prepare detailed engineered site layout map and electrical drawings to show placement of your equipment. If it is unduly difficult to set this up, consider presenting this to your governing body and requesting change. Help to pave the way for people going green - this model zoning ordinance is a good place to start!

Are wind turbines noisy?

The sound of the wind blowing usually makes more noise than a wind turbine turning. While these units will create some sound, it is not likely to be heard 100 feet from the unit.

Will wind turbines affect birds?

Careful monitoring by independent experts shows that birds are highly unlikely to be damaged by the moving blades of wind turbines of this size. Plus birds are typically smart enough not to fly into things they can see, and experience shows as much with these wind turbines.

What about lightning?

Lightning is a powerful force of nature, so precautions should be considered when installing a wind tower. Thankfully lightning protection is a well known practice and can be applied to wind turbine systems. It is very important to ground the battery bank, and ground the tower by connecting the negative wire to a ground rod. These cane found pre-assembled, or made out of galvanized steel pipe or an iron rod. They are buried underground close to the batteries or tower.

While these measures are well known and effective, Mother Nature may still find a way. All things considered these arrestors are worth affording for the safety and protection they provide to highly engineered equipment.

Can I use wind power for heating?

Yes, however the energy required to heat a building is usually significantly more than the energy used in electricity, so a much larger turbine and/or battery system would be required. The same may go for water heating. Consider solar heating and solar hot water and employ energy efficiency measures to reduce use or waste.

Can I connect my turbine to the grid?

Yes, utility connected installations are possible with these systems. When wind energy is produced your home will use it first, and if more is needed it will seamlessly draw from the grid. No need for batteries in this type of setup. Different connection standards are in place for different utility providers, some requiring an onsite inspection once the installation is complete. Contact your utility and ask for an interconnection agreement. US Federal law supports the development of wind energy systems, as the Public Utility Regulatory Polices Act (PURPA, 1978) requires utilities to connect to wind providers. The Whisper is UL approved (Underwriter Laboratory) and complies with all anti-islanding laws that require the system to shut down in the event that the electric grid shuts down.

Can I sell electricity back to the grid?

In times of high wind production and/or low energy usage, your electricity meter will actually spin backwards. This energy can be used when there is less wind or use exceeds production. In some places where net metering is in effect, utility companies are obligated to purchase the excess power from you or give you a credit for it. Check your local laws to determine how this works for your wind project. You may also need to install an export meter before you are able to keep track of and sell energy back to the grid.

How much of the time does the wind turbine produce electricity?

This unit generates electricity 70-85% of the time. The amount of energy generated is dependent on wind speed.

What happens when the wind stops blowing?

Your electricity continues uninterrupted by coming from either your battery supply or from being connected to the grid.

How long do these wind turbines last?

Around 20-30 years, with high performance reliable parts that are built to go the distance. Southwest Windpower has produced over 90,000 turbines over the past 20 years, servicing customers large and small in 90 countries around the world. A lot of time has been invested to make this a superb wind solution. A 5-year warranty backs it up.

How does altitude affect wind power?