How does Skystream work?
Skystream is a wind generator installed on top of a tower
that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into electricity
to be used in a home's electrical system.
In a typical residential application, a home is served
simultaneously by the Skystream and a local utility. If
the wind speeds are below "cut-in speed" (8 mph) there
will be no output from the generator and all of the needed
power is purchased from the utility. As wind speeds increase,
the Skystream's output increases and the amount of power
purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased.
When the Skystream produces more power than the house
needs, the meter spins backwards creating a "credit" that
can be used later. All of this is done automatically without
any interaction by the homeowner. Batteries are not required
with Skystream.
Back to top
Will Skystream save me money?
Depending on the wind speed average and the amount of
energy consumed every month, Skystream typically lowers
a household electricity bill by 20% to 90%. It is not
uncommon for Skystream owners with total-electric homes
to have monthly utility bills of only $8 to $15 for nine
months of the year (2005 data). The amount of money a
Skystream saves you in the long run will depend upon its
installed cost, the amount of electricity you use, the
average wind speed at your site, and other factors.
For a typical home in California, where the cost of energy
is $0.14/KWh, the Skystream 3.7 will produce 400 KWh per
month. This will save a household $672 per year on their
utility bill. At this rate, they will pay for their Skystream
system in approximately 12 years (after rebates, payback
is as low as 7 years. This example assumes: $8,500 installed
cost, power in an 8 MPH breeze with full output achieved
at 20 mph.
Back to top
Will it help the environment
if I install a Skystream at my home?
Because Skystream produces no pollution and uses wind
power, you will be offsetting pollution that would have
been generated by your utility company. Over its life,
the Skystream can offset more than 6000 pounds of global
warming pollutants (carbon dioxide and other gases that
are associated with global warming) every year.
Back to top
Does Skystream create and sound or
interfere with TV reception?
Skystream is extremely quiet and makes a small amount
of operating sound similar to the level of a small office.
It generally cannot be heard over typical background noise
such as the sound of the wind. Skystream does not interfere
with TV reception.
Back to top
Is Skystream dangerous to birds?
While no formal studies have been done, anecdotal evidence
indicates that birds occasionally collide with small wind
generators as they do with any other type of Structure™.
However, such events are very rare.
More reading: Download
the "Small Wind & Birds" fact sheet.
Back to top
Should my neighbors be concerned
about safety if I get a Skystream?
No. Skystream's design was done in collaboration with
the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable
Energy Laboratories. As part of this project, extensive
computer modeling and field testing was done to ensure
a safe design. All of Skystream's testing was done to
internationally accepted standards for small wind safety
and reliability. Your neighbors who may have some concerns
about safety may appreciate the following information:
Tower stability: Thousands
of small wind generators are installed in the U.S. every
year and their safety track record is excellent. Trees
are much more likely to fall than a properly installed
Skystream, but no setbacks or minimum property sizes are
required for trees.
Safety of utility repair personnel during
a power outage: In accordance to IEEE and
UL, Skystream will automatically shut down in the event
of a power outage, and will not energize a dead power
line. This is necessary to protect the utility line repair
person.
Ice shed from rotor blades:
Ice buildup makes Skystream blades less aerodynamic, so
that they turn more slowly. Typically, ice will drop to
the base of the generator tower and is not dangerous.
Children and towers: In terms
of educating children about not climbing Structure™s,
a small wind generator should be treated no differently
than other climbable Structure™s such as water towers
or amateur radio antennas.
More reading: Download
the "Small Wind & Your Neighborhood" fact sheet.
Back to top
Will a Skystream damage neighboring
property values?
No. With thousands of small wind generators installed
today in the U.S., there has never been any evidence to
support this claim. Actually, there are several survey
sources that indicate otherwise.
More reading: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/toolbox/TOOLS/fs_values.asp
Back to top
Will my utility allow me to hook
up a Skystream?
Yes. Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility
Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require utilities
to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy
systems. Your dealer should be able to help arrange the
required utility company approvals.
Back to top
Will my local government allow me
to install a Skystream?
A Skystream is a Structure™ that normally requires
a building permit. Zoning regulations often limit the
height, placement, and other characteristics of "appurtenant"
Structure™s, so a conditional (special) use permit
or variance may be necessary.
Back to top
Will I have to change any of the
wiring in my house?
No. A Skystream can easily be installed at any existing
home without the need to change any wiring or appliances.
In most cases, the utility will install a second utility
meter to measure how much surplus electricity it is receiving
from the generator owner.
Back to top |
