This is a Skystream 3.7 wind energy generator produced by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona. The 3.7 refers to it’s rotor diameter in meters which make it about 12 feet. The Skystream does not use any batteries and connects directly into the house. This Skystream sits on a 10 meter tapered monopole. It has no guy wires. The tower is attached to a pier that is made from reinforced concrete. The pier is 30” in diameter and is 6 foot deep.
The Skystream wind turbine is attached to the tower when the tower is resting horizontal near the ground. The tower is attached to the pier with a removable hinge plate. With the aid of a gin pole and winch the tower is raised to a vertical position. It is then plumbed and is ready to be put on line. It will start producing electricity when the wind velocity reaches 8 mph.
The Skystream will produce power with wind up to 65 mph at which time it automatically shuts down. It will remain down for one hour and then starts back up if the wind is under 65 mph.
The Skystream is the first small wind generator designed specifically for utility-connected residential use. It connects on your side of the meter. Texas is a net metering state and in theory if it runs the meter backwards you must be paid for that energy.
The Skystream is cost effective and in our area we are thinking that it will pay for itself in about 5 years.
Skystream is the first all-inclusive wind generator with the control and inverter built in. It starts producing in a 8mph wind and reaches full output at 20 mph.
Skystream can be mounted on towers from 33ft to 60ft. The 45ft and the 60ft tower needs a crane to put it up. There is also a 33ft and 50ft segmented tower and they are put up with a hinge plate and gin pole. This means a vast number of households on one acre or larger lots will now have access to residential, utility-connected wind energy. It is exceptionally quiet. In fact, Skystream’s sound is unrecognizable over trees blowing in the wind.
Skystream has been in the making for 5 years in connection with NREL. It is UL certified and IEEE certified. It is a down-wind direct drive permanent magnet wind generator. Skystream uses an innovative 12’ rotor and produces approximately 400 kWh per month in a 12 mph wind.
Skystream 3.7 installed costs approximately $9,000 to $10,000 depending on installation costs. The Turbine cost is $5400.00 plus shipping and the tower is $2,400.00 shipped. With our winds in the panhandle it should take 5 to 7 years or less to pay for it.
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