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® .
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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%. 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.
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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.
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Does Skystream® create sound or interfere
with TV reception? - Download
Sound Report (PDF)
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.
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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 structures.
However, such events are very rare.
More reading: Download
the "Small Wind & Birds" fact sheet (PDF).
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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 structures such as water towers or
amateur radio antennas.
More reading: Download
the "Small Wind & Your Neighborhood" fact sheet.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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