(via Engadget)
Wind Energy Goes Mainstream with New Residential Small Wind Generator
Skystream 3.7â„¢ uses new technology to help homeowners take control of skyrocketing energy costs with clean, renewable energy
FLAGSTAFF, Az., 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™ 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.
Here’s your chance to save yourself some money on power bills. According to the press release, typical payback is 5 to 12 years. Of course, if you are thinking about getting one, you might want to check your local zoning codes before trying to set one up in the back yard. And the company recommends at least an acre of land to install your new windmill So those of you in major metropolitan areas might not want to buy one. If you do get one, be sure to protect it from knights who might tilt your way.
[tags]Wind power, Windmills, Don Quixote[/tags]