Option 1- Bergey XL1 Based System 1 kW Remote.System Package

Performance: 60 - 150 AC Kilowatt-hours (kWh's) per month (depending on wind resource)

Recommended for: Rural or suburban locations with good winds\

Typical off-grid homes, schools, clinics, remote cabins or starter systems.Wind Class 2 or higher

This system contains batteries and is typically used in conjunction with a back-up generator (gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel). These systems are modular and can be expanded easily.

We recommend this package for homes, schools, clinics and other smaller off-grid applications. These systems are also easily retrofitted to existing diesel-only systems in order to save fuel and provide up to 24-hour power.

This remote system stores excess energy in batteries for use during low wind periods. It can also charge the batteries from a back-up generator (requires SB option). With a manually controlled back-up generator the Remote.System can provide up to 24-hour power.

The Tubular Tilt-up towers can be installed without concrete and they tilt-up after all the assembly work is done on the ground. The 42 ft. tower in this package is a common height used with the XL.1 turbine. For sites with trees, taller towers are recommended. These tower are available in heights up to 104 ft.

The batteries are US Battery 2200's, a workhorse of the home power industry and an excellent value. A total of four individual 6 volt batteries are connected in series to provide 24 VDC nominal. This battery bank will supply up to several days of power without wind energy input. The 500 W Trace TS524 modified-sine-wave inverter provides 120 VAC, 60 Hz (or 230 V, 50 Hz at 400 W) and is available with a stand-by (SB: battery-charging and transfer relay) option. A back-up engine generator can be easily integrated, but it must be manually started and stopped.

In addition to the equipment costs given below, a complete installation will typically include the following costs: shipping, sales tax, permit costs, foundation and anchoring (some soil types), wire run, turbine and tower erection, battery racks or vault, electrical hook-up, and inspection fees. Some users also incorporate a back-up gas, propane, or diesel generator into the system for extended periods of low wind speed. For towers in rural areas, there should not be a permit fee or inspection fee unless it is hooked up to your electrical system. I recommend that we modify your electrical system to segment a couple of key circuits that can be fed by this energy system.

Pricing

1 kW XL.1 Turbine, with PowerCenter	$1,890
64 ft. Tilt-up Tower	$760
5.3 kWh Battery Bank (B220-4)	$380
500 W Inverter System (TS524, with fuse)	$465
Total Cost:	$3,295

Options

50 Hz: No Charge

SB Inverter: $100

Larger Inverter

Larger Battery Bank

Taller Towers

Tower Installaton

The advantages of this system are that it allows you to get started providing power for your home and will allow for upgrade if so desired. The Bergey XL1 has an excellent reputation, a 5-year warranty, and comes with the controller allowing the additions of solar panels in the future.

Option 2- Southwest Windpower Air 403 Based System 400 Watt Remote System Package

The Southwest Windpower Air 403 is an ideal small wind-generator that is lightweight, starts generating power at low speeds and at lower heights than others and is capable of producing up to 400 watts of power at 28 MPH. The balance of components will be the same as Option 2 substituting the Air 403 and smaller tower for the Bergey yields a cheaper entry price but will product less power. It also does not have a separate controller but solar power can be added with it’s own controller for a nominal charge.

Pricing

Southwest Windpower Air 403	$599
27 ft. Tilt-up Tower	$275
5.3 kWh Battery Bank (B220-4)	$380
500 W Inverter System (TS524, with fuse)	$465
Total Cost:	$1,719

Shipping will be about $40.00 and adding a solar option of two panels of 75 watts each will add approximately $900 to this system and $800 to Option 1 if so desired.

Either system will generate enough power for from 15 to 30% of your home needs. A site analysis will tell us how high the tower needs to be and what is the average wind speed.

I commend you for wanting to start providing for an alternative energy system and making the investment to start on your energy future. Buying locally provides the advantages of ease of installation, the comfort of having a local contact and ease of expansion or warranty work if needed.