Southwest Windpower, one of the oldest wind turbine manufacturing companies, specializes in small wind turbines.
One of its models is the compact Skystream 3.7, which has a rated peak output of 2.4 kilowatts in a 48 km/h wind. It is designed to start making power at 13 km/h and will survive up to 225 km/h.
The turbine has two-metre-long fibreglass blades and weighs 77 kilograms, including built-in controller and inverter. Kits come ready to connect to a fuse panel or battery system. Prices start at less than $1,000 US.
For people on a battery system, Southwest has the Whisper 500 which cranks out 3,000 watts in a 38 km/h wind. With an average 20 km/h wind, it is designed to produce 538 kilowatt hours per month. The controller can be set to produce 24 volt, 36 volt or 48 volt direct current.
A unique feature that’s exclusive to the Whisper is the side-furling angle governor that protects the turbine in high winds by turning the blades out of the wind.
Visit www.skystreamenergy.com for more information.
