wind generator

[Eagleview]

Were in a river valley so we would need a very tall tower. At work we have a crew that builds towers for wireless internet - the cost of a 125' tower including the base is usually around $80K. Our province is now using net metering so I could put back into the grid at the same cost as taking out of the grid. I still suspect the payback is over 25 years. Point well taken that maybe the payback is not the only measure.

We live beside a major river. I have always wondered if there is any lower generators that can run from hydro power - anyone know of anything? I'm sure the enviromental commands are huge when considering hydro but maybe there is a fish friendly units now made!

Garth

There are plenty of in stream hydros available . They are simply anchored buy use of chains and the current spins the turbine . You need a good flow of water though , and i think a permit from your water board for use of the stream/river .

 

[Bill Barrett]

I've reseached it for years. I'm in the middle of a 10' windgenerator build now. If you can do it yourself and have wind, (I'm in the middle of some big wind farms) its a no brainer. I'll have around $1000.00 less time, and I want to do it anyway. I'm going off the grid soon.
The Bottom Line About Wind Turbines

 

[Doc_Bob]

Hi Doc,
I will post pictures as soon as I can. I expect to get a bill from my power company for my first full month with the turbine in operation. December, though, was a highly variable month for wind speed.
Butch

Cool.
Bob

 

[schmism]

Im currently working on a home built 12' wind turbine based off of Otherpowers designs.

a fellow down the road (about 10 mins) seems to have a roughly 10' commercial version up in the air already. I keep meaning to go talk to him about it...

Mine will likely sit on top of a 40' tri-tower style mast. Plan is to have it double as my HAM radio antenna mast (granted slightly lower on the tower) but that will depend on how much interference the 3phase AC generator puts out.

I am currently building blades and collecting parts for the hub/magnet rotor assembly.

My goal was to have it up and running by this winter, but i couldn't get everything built in time. new time line is by this summer when i should have the HAM shack/back up power building built to house the inverter/batteries. At the same time i plan to add at least 2 solar panels with the goal of reaching 800-1000 watts of solar in the next 5 years.

also holding my breath based on what new renewable energy "credits" might roll out of washington by this summer due to the new administration. (something he campaigned hard for)

 

[Doc_Bob]

Mine will likely sit on top of a 40' tri-tower style mast.

It would take 125' tower to get good wind here in S.E. WI.

You lucky dog
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

also holding my breath based on what new renewable energy "credits" might roll out of washington by this summer due to the new administration. (something he campaigned hard for)

DSIRE: Incentives by State: Incentives in Federal

I doubt Obama will or can do anything as Bush already signed one that goes until 12/31/2016. And the changes are very good.

Small wind: $500 per 0.5 kW, up to $4,000.

Solar electric: $2,000 for systems placed in service on or before 12/31/08; no maximum limit beginning in 2009. That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! 30% and no limit!!!!!

Bob

 

[schmism]

It would take 125' tower to get good wind here in S.E. WI.

You lucky dog
Bob

only when it comes to wind power.....

when it comes to freezeing my arse off in the middle of winter with numerous days with 15-20mph winds with 40mph gusts.... its no fun.

but its nice in the spring and summer to keep the heat down