Southwest Windpower to begin shipping small wind generators for residential use; simple design makes installation a snap

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 by: NewsTarget
Tags: wind power, health news, Natural News

https://www.naturalnews.com/019494_power_energy_solar.html

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Currently, the average homeowner relies on either solar power or (if viable) water power to generate their own energy, but small wind generators are more versatile than either source. They are able to work in parts of the country that see little sun, and in winds as slow as 5 mph as long as they have at least an 8 mph gust to initiate rotation. The system can even be modified to work cooperatively with solar power systems.

“Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and take control of their energy costs,” said Andrew Kruse, co-founder and vice president of business development. “Wind energy for the individual is finally mainstream.”

Wind power has previously been an unrealistic solution for the average homeowner because it was expensive and complicated to install. However, Skystream's system merely needs to be wired to the house and plugged in.

Since the unit has an average lifespan of 20 years, its simple design and $8,000 to $10,000 cost (depending on height and design) would equal 8 or 9 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to 15 to 20 cents per kilowatt hour for the average solar unit, according to Kruse.

Kruse anticipates Skystream's biggest hindrances to be the cooperation of utility companies. Walter Sass, president of Wind Electronics and software manufacturer Second Wind, says the drawbacks are that small wind turbines tend to be unreliable in severe weather, maintenance assistance is scarce, and the units tend to require windier conditions than the average homeowner is willing to endure.

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