Small Wind Turbine Comparison
Skystream 3.7 Backyard Wind Turbine
As the small-wind industry continues to experience major growth, a new breed of residential wind turbines has emerged that could change the energy landscape of how homes and small businesses receive electricity. With improved generator technology, blades that adjust to wind conditions, and units that report their power output wirelessly, these turbines are paving the way for small-wind power in style.
Developed by Arizona-based Southwest Windpower, the Skystream is a fully integrated system that produces energy for less than the average cost of electricity in the United States. Its grid-tie turbine design integrates all necessary electronics into the system. With no batteries, Skystream 3.7 connects directly to the home to supply power. It is anticipated that this will save the average homeowner $500 to $800 per year, based on 4,800 to 6,600 kWh produced per year and a $.12/kWh cost of electricity. Even former president George H. W. Bush is jumping on the wind power bandwagon with his reported purchase of a 1.5 kW Skystream.
Air Breeze
Air Breeze is quieter and more efficient than its predecessor, Air, which is currently the world’s most popular small wind turbine. The Air Breeze is outfitted with a microprocessor-based smart internal regulator for peak power tracking and improved performance, optimized energy output, improved battery charging. The reduced sound due to an updated design complements the increased reliability and durability of the composite blades. Best of all, with only two moving parts, the Air Breeze maintains an efficient energy delivery with little to no maintenance.
The Airdolphin is an ultra-light small wind turbine from Zephyr. The newly-developed Swing Rudder System ensures the turbine’s superior response to sudden changes in the direction of wind. It moves in a fashion like a fish does against strong water currents keeping the propellers functional against strong winds, improving the efficiency of power generation. The Airdolphin’s blades are light weight, thin and etched with grooves much like an owl’s feather to minimize the noise produced. Guaranteed to last 25 years, the Airdolphin seems suited to perform not only in open spaces and uniform wind but also in urban areas. Small things come in big packages.
| Skystream 3.7 | Air Breeze | Airdolphin Mark-Zero | |
| Cost | $4979 for 1.8kw model | $725 for 200w model | $4485 for 1kw model |
| $/watt | $2.77/watt | $3.63/watt | $4.49/watt |
| Cut in wind speed | 8 mph (3.5 m/s) | 6 mph (2.68 m/s) | 5 mph (2.5m/s) |
| Survival wind speed | 140 mph (63 m/s) | 110 mph (49.2 m/s) | 145 mph (65m/s) |
| Yaw | Passive | NA | Free yaw (360 degrees) |
| Monthly Energy Production | 400kwh per month at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s) | 38kwh per month at 12 mph (5.4 m/s) | 100-120kwh per month at 14 mph (6m/s) |
