When we built our off-the-grid house in 2000, our power system consisted primarily of 8 photovoltaic solar panels. Since then, we have been keen on adding a wind turbine to complement the solar, but just haven’t made that step yet. My father-in-law recently pointed out a small ad in the newspaper about a new Canadian-made wind turbine, so I checked out their website and was very excited by what I saw.
The Windterra ECO1200 is a 1000-watt wind turbine which, as you can see in the photo below, spins on a vertical axis rather than the traditional horizontal axis which you would be used to seeing. The advantage of the vertical axis system is that the turbine is omni-directional, meaning it will work no matter what direction the wind is coming from. The traditional wind turbines need to face into the wind in order to work. Other advantages of the Windterra turbine include: 1) it works better in turbulent air, 2) it is more effective at lower wind speeds (operates as low as 11 km/h), increasing its efficiency and output, 3) it can be mounted on the roof, eliminating the need for a costly tower, and making it easier to install and service.
Windterra’s online price of $6050.00 includes includes the turbine, controller/inverter, and mounting system – pretty well everything you need to get started.
Unfortunately for us, the Windterra ECO1200 is designed for grid-tied systems, and will not work with our inverter. I am truly disappointed about this, because it seems like such a great product. However, for those of you who are on the utility grid and have been considering the possibility of making some of your own power, this product may be your answer. Meanwhile, I’ll keep looking for the right turbine for us. Via Dale Sorensen
Subscribe To
Posts
Comments
Blog Archive
-
►
2008 (499)
-
►
September (10)
- How to Bike to Work (Or Anywhere Else)
- CO2 Calculator adds up your carbon footprint
- Al Gore to Buy Environmental Magazine, 'Plenty'
- Google Floats A Data Center Patent: Offshore,
- N.Y. Tests Turbines to Produce Power
- New Solar Power Plants
- Solar Power Growth
- Solar Powered Homes Sell Faster
- Information on Solar Electric Power and GE
- California To Get The Largest Ever Solar Power Pla...
-
►
August (7)
- Solar Power International 2008: North America’s La...
- Offshore drilling is not the answer to high gas pr...
- Top 10 Alternative Energy Lobbying Groups in 2008
- Kites Could Become Major Source Of Wind Power
- The new solar powered cases cure the power problem...
- You Can Recycle Concrete?
- WORLD FIRST ECO PEDAL HELPS REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTIO...
-
►
July (104)
- Nanotube Solar Cells Improve Efficiency 10 Times
- Solar powered Macbook Air
- Is Solar Power Enough?
- Instant Insight: Solar energy turns organic
- Donated Solar Electric Systems to Aid Habitat for ...
- Solar Panels Survive Tornado in Colorado
- Evaluating the Cleanliness of Solar Photovoltaics ...
- Transparent Electronics Key to Solar Energy Breakt...
- Photovoltaic Solar Panels
- New Luminescent Solar Concentrator Technology
- Oregon wind farm could be world's largest
-
►
September (10)
3 comentarios:
June 30, 2009 12:48 PM
WINDTERRA (Green) News June 2009
In this issue:
1. OFF – Grid capability
2. Poles. Poles, Poles
3. FIT program
4. Financing
5. Permitting
The ECO 1200 is a now both a “Grid Tie” and “off grid product. The ECO 1200’s vertical axis design is an industry leader. The “all inclusive” simplistic mount, turbine, generator and matched inverter make an easily installed complete package. How much simpler than joining a wire to a breaker in the panel box or tie to your battery bank can you get! We are always facing the wind!
The inclusion of an off-grid option allows the power created by the ECO 1200 to be stored in batteries. The Battery Charger is only intended to be connected to a battery bank. The ability to convert energy into a range from 24 v - 48 v DC power leaves many options. This device also has an operating range from – 25 to 40 degrees Celsius.
In response to customer interest we continue to expand our recommended installation options. Last issue we promoted the use of outbuildings as an option. After working with different supply companies, using our specification requirements, we have suppliers in place for three types of poles…steel, composite, and wood. All three would place our unit about 30 ft. above ground. The steel pole requires a cement foundation. The composite and wood poles require a bored hole. Poles can be purchased for as little as $1000.00.
Recently we read about a “FIT” program. There is a movement towards a feed in tariff program. This program is designed to pay the small energy producer for each KW produced. This is a significant change in support of “Green Energy”.
We have worked with lending agencies and have a simplified process in place. By working with lending agencies we have virtually removed the bureaucracy of financing a wind turbine. These lending agencies know our product and have a great offer to help diminish the immediate cash outlay.
Work on the permitting side is also developing. We have example letters to neighbors, a sample ordinance along with advice on permitting available for your use.
Please contact us for further information or a reseller contact
Have you looked at our brochure lately?
Windterra is Building Tomorrow’s Energy Future …Today!
Contacts:
Larry Wagner Phone 403-456-3350
June 30, 2009 12:49 PM
WINDTERRA (Green) News June 2009
In this issue:
1. OFF – Grid capability
2. Poles. Poles, Poles
3. FIT program
4. Financing
5. Permitting
The ECO 1200 is a now both a “Grid Tie” and “off grid product. The ECO 1200’s vertical axis design is an industry leader. The “all inclusive” simplistic mount, turbine, generator and matched inverter make an easily installed complete package. How much simpler than joining a wire to a breaker in the panel box or tie to your battery bank can you get! We are always facing the wind!
The inclusion of an off-grid option allows the power created by the ECO 1200 to be stored in batteries. The Battery Charger is only intended to be connected to a battery bank. The ability to convert energy into a range from 24 v - 48 v DC power leaves many options. This device also has an operating range from – 25 to 40 degrees Celsius.
In response to customer interest we continue to expand our recommended installation options. Last issue we promoted the use of outbuildings as an option. After working with different supply companies, using our specification requirements, we have suppliers in place for three types of poles…steel, composite, and wood. All three would place our unit about 30 ft. above ground. The steel pole requires a cement foundation. The composite and wood poles require a bored hole. Poles can be purchased for as little as $1000.00.
Recently we read about a “FIT” program. There is a movement towards a feed in tariff program. This program is designed to pay the small energy producer for each KW produced. This is a significant change in support of “Green Energy”.
We have worked with lending agencies and have a simplified process in place. By working with lending agencies we have virtually removed the bureaucracy of financing a wind turbine. These lending agencies know our product and have a great offer to help diminish the immediate cash outlay.
Work on the permitting side is also developing. We have example letters to neighbors, a sample ordinance along with advice on permitting available for your use.
Please contact us for further information or a reseller contact
Have you looked at our brochure lately?
Windterra is Building Tomorrow’s Energy Future …Today!
Contacts:
Larry Wagner Phone 403-456-3350
July 9, 2009 10:40 PM
Horizontal wind turbine, are larger and hence, more useful in rural areas with open spaces. If you are living in an urban or suburban area, you will want to opt for the vertical wind turbine. In fact, vertical wind turbines were specifically designed to address the unique issues associated with electricity production in urban or suburban settings where horizontal winds become vertical when encountering the face of a building. The helical shaped blades of the vertical wind turbine can make use of horizontal or vertical wind bursts blowing in from any direction.
Post a Comment