Wind Energy Goes Mainstream With New Residential Small Wind Generator
Skystream 3.7(TM) Uses New Technology to Help Homeowners Take Control of
Skyrocketing Energy Costs With Clean, Renewable Energy
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 27 -- A new small residential wind
generator from Southwest Windpower will give homeowners a new weapon in the
fight against rising electricity costs. Skystream 3.7(TM) is the first
fully integrated wind generator designed specifically for the
grid-connected residential market.
A combination of new technologies, developed in collaboration with the
U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, resulted
in a product that quietly produces electricity for a fraction of the cost
of current technologies. Skystream's low cost and low profile provides
homeowners an affordable energy supplement that's appropriate for
installation in many residential areas around the country. With no
batteries, Skystream 3.7 connects directly to the home to supply power.
When the wind is not blowing, the home is powered by the electric utility.
Depending on the local utility, excess electricity can be sold back to the
utility or used at a later date.
"Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and
take control of their energy costs," said Andrew Kruse, co-founder of
Southwest Windpower. "Wind energy for the individual homeowner is finally
main-stream."
With a typical cost of $8,000 to $10,000 to purchase and install,
Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in 5 to 12 years. This payback period will
vary and can be much quicker in states with investment rebates. It's
anticipated that Skystream 3.7 will save the average homeowner $500 to $800
per year, based on 4,800 to 6,600 kWh produced per year and a $0.12/kWh
cost of electricity. This output would provide 40 to 90 percent of an
average home's energy needs. In states like Hawaii, where the cost of
energy and wind speeds are both high, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in
less than 4 years.
"This new technology is an important step forward for small wind," said
Robert Thresher, director of NREL's National Wind Technology Center. "As
technology becomes more efficient at harnessing energy at low wind speeds,
small-scale users will become more and more able to take advantage of wind
power."
About Southwest Windpower
Flagstaff Arizona-based Southwest Windpower is the world's largest
producer of small wind generators (400 to 3000 watts). The 20-year old
company has been a pioneer in the development of wind technology and has
produced over 90,000 generators that provide power to residential homes,
remote cabins, telecom transmitters, offshore platforms, water pumping and
sailboats. Southwest Windpower distributes in more than 88 countries. On
the Web: windenergy.com |
