by Southwest Windpower
Skystream 3.7
The first small wind generator designed specifically for utility-connected residential and commercial use, Southwest Windpower’s Skystream 3.7 helps consumers harness the power of the wind and take control of their energy bills like never before. Skystream 3.7 was named a 2007 Top 10 Green Building Product by Sustainable Industries, a magazine for green business leaders. Skystream 3.7 was also awarded a 2006 Best of What’s New award from the editors of Popular Science and was included in TIME magazine’s 2006 Best Inventions.
It's attractive, quiet, and designed to work efficiently in very low winds. It lowers your electric bill by as much as eighty percent right on your own property. Due to government incentives the entire cost of a Skystream system is reduced by thirty percent. With a five to ten year payback, get on your way to free power now!
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 small wind technology for residential and commercial applications. Skystream 3.7 has a 2.4 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 and businesses 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 foot (3.7 m) rotor and produces approximately 400 kWh per month in a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) wind.
How does it work?
Skystream 3.7 is specifically designed for utility-connected use including homes, businesses and the public sector. In certain states consumers can take advantage of “net-metering”, by selling back unused energy to their utility company.
What will it cost and how long will it take to pay for itself?
Installed, the Skystream 3.7, costs approximately $14,000 to $18,000, depending on tower height and installation expenses. Price includes the generator, operation controls and inverter. Skystream 3.7 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. This is an accessible solution for the homeowner or business looking to reduce energy costs. Depending on the installed price, average wind speed, local cost of electricity, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in as little as five years.
Do I have enough wind?
Designed to produce energy in very low winds, Skystream 3.7 begins producing power in an 8 mph (3.5 m/s) breeze with full output achieved at 29 mph (13 m/s). Early adopters are reporting up to 50 percent savings on their energy bills. .
How noisy is the Skystream?
Skystream 3.7 is exceptionally quiet. In fact, Skystream’s sound is unrecognizable over trees blowing in the wind. The sound pressure level generated by Skystream is in the range of 40-50 decibels which is quieter than background noise in a home or office.
How much property do I need to have to install a Skystream?
We recommend at least an acre lot and have a clear area away from tall trees and buildings. The predominant wind comes from the northwest so it is important for wind production that the Skystream is positioned 200 ft away from obstructions.
