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Post by hawkecho on Jan 18, 2011 13:31:18 GMT -4
Has anyone used one? It's ALWAYS windy at our house & I'd love to take advantage of it! We looked into wind energy many years ago but the cost was a huge deterrent. The rooftop turbines seem really affordable but do they work?
Thanks!
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Post by Martin on Jan 18, 2011 16:04:25 GMT -4
Welcome to the forum. Anyone who suggests that you can mount a worthwhile and efficient wind turbine on your roof is either naive or scamming you. Wind turbines require substantial quantities of wind to produce power. Wind is extremely turbulent and considerably slower close to the ground and around buildings. The general rule of thumb is to mount the wind turbine 30 feet above any obstacle that is within 300 feet of the tower, at the very minimum. The higher and farther from any object, the better. "The Higher the tower the greater the power." Can you easily fly a kite at your spot most of the time? Before making a big investment, I recommend formally evaluating your site with a good recording anemometer for a minimum of one year, two would be better! www.inspeed.com/~Martin .
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Post by ☼ ЯÏĊk ☺ on Jan 18, 2011 16:11:52 GMT -4
I was just gonna write...Nope. lol.
Hawk, there's some great authors on the subject. Only one in my pea brain at the moment is Rex Ewing. Someday I hope to have a small turbine/ panel setup for running a well pump and LED's. When/ if they get WAY cheaper.
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Post by capecmom on Jan 18, 2011 16:13:20 GMT -4
Hawk, check into the permitting process in your area also. There may be places you can't have them. In my area I can't have one at my house because I'm on the Coast Guard flight path.
Hey-and Welcome! Glad to have you here!
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Post by rAcErRicK on Jan 18, 2011 16:36:10 GMT -4
You won't any better than Martin Hawk. He's one of the very best.
Welcome here. What part of the country are you from ?
rr
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