Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Turbine

The Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Turbine was released by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff, Arizona in the United States on June 27, 2006 and was named one of Time Magazine's best inventions for 2006. The product was touted as "the first fully integrated wind generator designed specifically for the grid-connected residential market" by the manufacturer.

"Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and take control of their energy costs," said Andrew Kruse, co-founder of Southwest Windpower. "Wind energy for the individual homeowner is finally main-stream."

Skystream is grid-connected, so it supplies power directly to the home power supply and contributes when the turbine is turning. When the turbine is not turning, the home is powered by the electric utility. According to the tech details for the product on Amazon.com, this small wind turbine delivers 1.8 kW rated and 2.4 kW peak power at 20 MPH wind speed. It provides 400 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind and works in winds as low as 8 MPH.

UPDATED: August 31, 2012

The Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Turbine sells used to sell on Amazon.com for $5,499.00 USD. It is no longer listed on Amazon, but is was carried by the AltE Store and then sold at GoGreenSolar.com at the list price of $6,212.00.  There are a few websites still selling the product online, but at this point I think many of the sales/installations are being made through the dealer network.

Once installation costs are factored in, initial investment will typically be in the range of $12,000 USD to $15,000 USD. Rebates and incentives reduce the purchase price significantly in some areas.

According to the manufacturer:

"Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in 5 to 12 years. This payback period will vary and can be much quicker in states with investment rebates. It's anticipated that Skystream 3.7 will save the average homeowner $500 to $800 per year, based on 4,800 to 6,600 kWh produced per year and a $0.12/kWh cost of electricity. This output would provide 40 to 90 percent of an average home's energy needs. In states like Hawaii, where the cost of energy and wind speeds are both high, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in less than 4 years."

For more information on the Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Turbine, visit the official website at http://www.windenergy.com/products/skystream/skystream-3.7.

Are traditional residential wind turbines too expensive? Did you know you can build your own wind generator for less than $200 with Power4Home. Help the environment and save money!