Skystream 3.7™ Frequently Asked Questions
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 (NREL), 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 utility-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 (NREL) in Colorado for almost two years and has undergone extensive performance, reliability and duration testing in accordance with internationally accepted testing standards.
What will it cost and how long will it take to pay for itself?
Skystream 3.7™, installed, costs approximately $12,000, depending on tower height and installation expenses. Price includes the generator, operation controls and inverter. Skystream 3.7™ is has tower height options available to accommodate a location’s wind resource.
Skystream 3.7™ is capable of producing energy at a fraction of the cost of other small wind, solar photovoltaics or reciprocating engine technology. Depending on the installed price, average wind speed, local cost of electricity and state rebates, Skystream 3.7™ can pay for itself in as little as 5 years.
What makes this product unique?
Skystream 3.7™ is 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 over 20 mph. In addition to the innovative technology, Southwest Windpower invested heavily in tooling to reduce component cost. Doing so makes it possible to sell Skystream 3.7™ at a very low price. 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 nearly sound free.
Skystream 3.7™ can be installed on a range of tower heights from 35’ to 110’. The optional 35 foot freestanding (no guy wire) tower looks much like a standard light pole.
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.
Who can 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 3.7™ 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.
- Suitable zoning: Tower installation must comply with local zoning regulations. It is also advisable to make sure there are no HOA (Home Owner Association) regulations that prohibit the use of towers.
- Interconnection with utility: Local utility must allow for interconnection. The 1979 federal PURPA act requires small systems can connect to the electrical grid; but homeowners should consult their local utility.
- Electricity cost of $0.10/kWh or greater: Consumers should consult with their local utility or look at their electric bill.
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