Posted: 3/8/2008 9:15:13 AM EDT
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I just started to look into these so I'm looking for any input you guys have. Are there any wind generators that can be stored away and set-up when needed? I live in a subdivision so a permanet unit isn't allowed. What would be needed to power a few lights, radio and the refrigerator or just the furnace if heat is needed? I'm estimating 10-15 amps / 115v. I'm thinking that a gas generator works best for a short period of time or until fuel runs out. My back yard is open and there is usually a good breeze blowing making the wind generator better for longer periods of time. |
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From what I have read in the Northern Tool catalog product write up, you better have a really good steady wind and higher mph wind.. For the ones Northern Tool sells you need a steady wind of +15 mph to get maximum power out of it... I live in what I consider a very windy area, and our wind only blows around +/- 5 mph on a regular basis. good luck Brian |
| Wind as a back up is kinda iffy. It's primary source power when it's blowing. You need at least 10 mph to generate 50% power with most of the small stand alone wind generators. For what youe want Id say solar power and I seldom say that and Ive been to school for this crap. Get a couple of solar panels with controler, a small bank of deep cycle batteries and a low end inverter. Still looking at a couple grand thou. Option is a couple of deep cycle batts, a small to mid size genset and a low end inverter, only a grand or so. |
+1. BTW, if your inverter has a decent battery charger (some models come with a 50-200 amp charger at essentially no extra cost), it'll work wonders for reducing the run-time on your generator - can make a few dozen gallons of generator fuel last a long time. |
Ok, so I should get a good generator and store a safe amount of fuel. Do you have any links for a good source for the deep cycle batteries and inverter. Sorry for the questions, this snow storm here in Ohio has me thinking about things I haven't put much thought into. |
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Batteries=www.trojan-battery.com Inverters= www.xantrex.com pv panels= www.kyocerasolar.com wind turbine= www.windterra.com I am upgrading my system right now to 1000 watt system and thinking of adding wind to the system! The DEPT of Energy wind maps says my avg windspeed is 11.8mph...a minimum speed to make great power! So I am kinda excited! |
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Home Power Magazine has a List Of Advertisers that is pretty comprehensive. Home Power is also an excellent bi-monthly source of info on all things related to alternative energy - makes a great way of educating yourself on inverters, batteries, solar panels, wind chargers, etc. Back Woods Solar is a good source for inverters (including the excellent Xantrex line). Your local golf cart shop probably has the best prices of golf cart batteries, which are generally regarded as providing the best capacity and life expectancy for the price. Note that these deep-cycle batteries are 6 volts apiece, so you normally use them in series-connected pairs in order to obtain 12 volts. The Trojan T-105 and T-125 models are especially popular. |