Sky Stream Wind Generator

[Barony]

Picked some info up at the mall (no salesperson present) last week and got thinking about getting a wind generator. I Googled it and saw that a place that has "Northern" in it's name that sells them for about $6000. If I could shave $100 off my elec bill per month, it would pay for itself in 4-5 years. Has anyone had any experience with these units? Also, am I out of touch with the cost of these things?

[Big R]

Also keep in mind your going to need an electrician to install the wind turbine.

[chris63]

Before you pull the trigger on a wind turbine for your house,make sure to check with city council/county offices so if some "neighbor"doesn't like the sight or sound of your turbine you'll have some recourse!To be forewarned is to be forearmed!c63

[CJH]

I would love to get one, but couldn't believe how expensive they are!!!

[waskawood]

Do not be in a hurry. Study very well before you plunk down your hard earned money. How many Kilowatts will it produce at maximum output? How many hours a month will you see maximum production. I doubt that you will see any where near that kind of payback but do not take my word for it. Maintenence is very high on wind generators. Study, study, and study some more. Like I said, "do not take my word or the sales persons word". Can it be legally connected to the power grid? At that price I wonder. Ask a Minnesota Electrical Inspector he may know the legalities of this particular unit. Good luck and if you decide to purchase one let everyone know how it worked out for you. We definately need renewal power sources.

[CAMAN]

Getting a wind speed survey done before spending that kind of money is a good idea. You can spend countless amounts of money on one, but if you don't have the proper amount of wind and speed at your location, its just going to be one big espensive eyesore and headache.

[Barony]

Thanks for all the feedback. After looking at the site and looking at our personal situation, it's just not cost effective. The generator produces about 400-450 kw per month. During the summer, we use about 1200 kw a month (this past summer). Winter months, it's double that. The city charges .10/kw. It would take a long time to recover the cost at $40/month.

On a side note, we installed a geothermal system last summer thinking we would have huge savings. While we have spent less to heat our home than the year before (we had elec base board), it too will take about 20 years to recover that cost. Without off peak, which the city does not offer, it was not a good choice. It is pretty cool to have though.