What is SkyStream 3.7?
SkyStream 3.7 developed by Southwest Windpower in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 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 grid -connected market. Skystream 3.7 is designed for homeowners looking to reduce or eliminate their monthly electric bills.
SkyStream 3.7 is a down-wind (wind hits the blades on the downwind 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 in Colorado for almost four years and has undergone extensive performance, reliability and duration testing in accordance with international accepted standards.
What will it cost and how long will it take to pay for itself?
SkyStream 3.7, installed, cost approximately $12,000 to $18,000, depending on tower height and installation cost. Cost includes the generator, operation controls, inverter and tower. SkyStream 3.7 is also available with taller towers to accommodate a locations wind resource.
SkyStream 3.7 is capable of producing energy at a fraction of the cost of other small wind, solar photovoltaic's or reciprocating engine technology. SkyStream 3.7 is expected to produce energy for under $0.09/kWh. Depending on installed cost, average wind speed, local cost of electricity and state rebates, SkyStream 3.7 can pay for itself in as little as 7 years.
Some states and countries offer incentive investment programs that can cover as much as 60% of the cost of a Skystream 3.7. To learn more about states incentive programs, go to: www.dsireusa.org
What makes this product unique?
Skystream 3.7 is unique for being 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 20 mph. In addition to innovative technology, Southwest Windpower invested heavily in tooling to reduce component cost. Doing so makes it possible to sell Skystream 3.7 at such a low price.
The base price includes a 35 ft. freestanding (no guy wires) tower that looks much like a standard light pole. 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 very quietly.
A visually aesthetic shape played a key role in the design to show that a wind generator is not only a clean source of energy but pleasing to the eye.
What are the requirements to install this system?
Southwest Windpower 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 feet above any surrounding object within a 300 foot radius. Although the machine can be installed on smaller lots of land, properties of one acre or more are typically ideal as they will more likely have unobstructed wind. |
