Small windpower a scam ? Survey says SO

• Prediction Accuracy: 21% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 16% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 17% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 22% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 45% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 8% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 46% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 155% of predicted output

• Prediction Accuracy: 60% of predicted output

The test was funded by:
- Stichting Zeeuwind (wind energy)
- Greenlab (small scale renewable energy, focused on wind energy and tidal energy)
- DELTA NV (gas, electricity, solar, internet, tv, water)
- Provincie Zeeland (government)
- Gemeente Sluis (local government).
This test was not designed to give the small wind industry a bad name, on the contrary. These small windmills are designed and promoted for use in a built-up environment, where the average wind speeds are almost always lower than 8.5 mph. They were friendly enough to install them in an unobstructed area, and they decided not to include the results from November 2007 to March 2008, when many windmills showed problems.
See the windmap of Holland and the article we published before:
http://www.nkpw.nl/images/stories/KNMI%20Windsnelheid%201971%202000.jpg
http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2008/09/urban-windmills.html

Maand (month)
apr-08 3,5 m/s
mei-08 3,7 
jun-08 3,4 
jul-08 3,4 
aug-08 3,6 
sep-08 3,4 
okt-08 3,2 
nov-08 4,4 
dec-08 3,7
jan-09 4,4
feb-09 3,4
mrt-09 4,4 
Gemiddeld 3,8 m/s (1 year average)

At lower average wind speeds, even very small changes can make a huge difference. According to the Carbon Trust the cut-in speed of a small wind turbine (the moment it starts producing energy) is between 3 and 4 metres per second. This is close to the average wind speed on land in rather windy countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.

A test by the Carbon Trust (see graphics below) showed that a windmill receiving an average wind speed of 4.5 metres per second produced 7 times more energy than a windmill receiving an average wind speed of 3 metres per second – because the latter is not operating most of the time since it does not reach its cut-in speed. While large wind turbines have an average capacity factor of 28 to 35 percent, small windmills only achieve 15 to 20 percent of their capacity in rural areas and only 10 percent in urban areas.

You will also need consider potential noise of using a rooftop wind turbine. Many people agree that vertical axis turbines are quieter than other models. As noted above, placement is key to gain the most favorable winds and efficiency. If you have a pitched roof, consider placing the wind turbine in a higher location. For flat roofs, towards the edge.

Each day, hundreds of new rooftop wind turbines are installed across the country. Wind turbine manufacturers are busier than ever, and people looking for green jobs are finding them in the wind sector of the renewable energy industry, in part because of the rapid growth. By tapping into wind power, property owners are watching their electrical meters roll backwards, allowing them to save money while doing their part to save the planet.

Amazingly, consumers that installed residential rooftop wind turbines, cut their utility bills by 50-90%. Considering the fact that prices range from $5-10,000 for most systems (before tax credits and rebates), it can pay for itself in a few years.

...

At a mere 36 inches tall, the plug-in wind appliance can generate about 40 kilowatt hours each month, that’s enough to light a home using high-efficiency bulbs, said [Inventor Chad] Maglaque. And although micro-wind is nothing new, at $400 a pop, the Jellyfish’s price and simplicity make it a fresh face in the market. [Via Worldchanging]

Proposed: A Wind Electric Co. generator system behind my house (N side), to generate 700-1000 W per month. System will store generated electricity in batteries to be used directly by my residence. As needed, I will continue to draw power from the grid.
I am in need of financing or a grant/tax credit. System has capacity to begin generating at just 3 mph
Estimated total cost of install approx. $10,000
Note: To date, no other residence within city limits of Eugene, OR has such a system. City coordidator for building permits says I am breaking new ground. I have told city and manufacturer I am eager to be a beta test site; I will invite news media and city, county, state, others to come here to collect data and do research studies.
I sincerely want this type of project to become a reality for myself and others.

Our Small Wind Residential Generators are rated to produce 2K to 4K watts in a 24 hour period. Our Windmill power has a cut-in wind speed of 3 mph, making it possible to create power with little wind virtually all day and night.