Wind Power                                                                                                                             

What is wind energy?

In reality, wind energy is a converted form of solar energy. The sun's radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates-most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind.

Air has mass, and when it is in motion, it contains the energy of that motion ("kinetic energy"). Some portion of that energy can converted into other forms mechanical force or electricity that we can use to perform work.

What is a wind turbine and how does it work?

A wind energy system transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use. Mechanical energy is most commonly used for pumping water in rural or remote locations- the "farm windmill" seen in many rural areas of the U.S. is a mechanical wind system - but it can also be used for many other purposes (grinding grain, sawing, pushing a sailboat, etc.).

Our Wind Systems are:

• More Energy Output
• Low Wind Startup
• Quieter Operation

Benefits of Wind Power

A wind energy system can provide a cushion against rising electric power prices. Wind energy systems help reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels; and they are nonpolluting. If you live in a remote location, a small wind energy system could help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines extended to your home or business.

Although wind energy systems involve a significant initial investment, they can be competitive with conventional energy sources when you account for a lifetime of reduced or altogether avoided utility costs. The length of the payback period depends on the type of wind system you choose, the wind resource at your home or business, electricity costs in your area, and how you plan to use your wind system.

Is Wind Power Right for You?

Small wind energy systems can be used in connection with an electricity transmission and distribution system (called grid-connected systems), or in stand-alone applications that are not connected to the utility grid. A grid-connected wind turbine can reduce consumption of utility-supplied electricity for lighting, appliances, and electric heat. If the turbine cannot deliver the amount of energy you need, your utility makes up the difference. When the wind system produces more electricity than your household or business requires, the excess can be be returned to the grid. With the interconnections available today, switching takes place automatically. Stand-alone wind energy systems can be appropriate for homes, farms, or even entire communities (a co-housing project, for example) that are far from the nearest utility lines. Either type of system can be practical if the following conditions exist.

Conditions for Stand-Alone Systems

• You live in an area with average annual wind speeds of at least 6 miles per hour (4.0 meters per second).
• A grid connection is not available or can only be made through an extension.
• You have an interest in gaining energy independence from the utility.
• You would like to reduce the environmental impact of electricity production.
• You acknowledge the intermittent nature of wind power and have a strategy for using intermittent resources to meet your power needs.

Conditions for Grid-Connected Systems

• You live in an area with average annual wind speeds of at least 8 miles per hour (4.5 meters per second).
• Utility-supplied electricity is expensive in your area (about 10 to 15 cents per kilowatt hour).
• Local building codes or covenants allow you to legally erect a wind turbine on your property.
• Net metering is available

Wind Installations of Solar Tech of PA

1. Helix Wind - Inexpensive, reliable, and simple, the hallmarks of the Helix system make it the best choice for low wind speed residential applications. The turbine based design catches wind from all directions creating smooth powerful torque to spin the electric generator. The Helix wind blade is mounted up to 35 feet high. In winds as low as 8 mph the Helix system can create electricity to power your home.

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2. Air X Wind Turbine - The Air-X is a small wind turbine designed to be used for residential or commercial use. It has recently been updated to reduce the noise of the blades, and the manufactures have added some microprocessor-based technology to improve battery charging.

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Note: Solar Tech of PA is able to install any type of wind system currently on the market.