The saying is, “the wind blows when the sun goes down”. While this is a definite over simplification, it is true that on average there is more surface wind generated during off peak solar hours and so, if you are a battery user a small wind turbine makes perfect sense. In this area there have been amazing improvements in both efficiency and looks.

http://www.abundantre.com/

ABUNDANT RENEWABLE ENERGY (ARE) wind generators are as strong as you’ll find anywhere.  Designed for harsh climates, they are built simply and ruggedly to quietly last.  ARE  machines have a large swept area to capture more wind and produce more energy, especially in low wind speeds.  These machines produce energy in the winds you get, day in and day out…  Power when you need it, not just in storms.

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These dealers/manufacturers are presented alphabetically with no regard to reliability or generating capabilities:

www.aerostarwind.com

The Aerostar 6 Meter Wind Turbine is the result of 25 years of design experience, testing and turbine installations throughout the U.S. The turbine is simple, rugged and efficient, particularly at low wind speeds. The turbine is also very quiet at all wind speeds. The induction generator interfaces directly with the utility grid. There is no complicated and expensive inverter. Best of all, because the turbine incorporates the latest technology, efficient structural design and use of high quality materials, the cost of the system is well below that of competing U.S. produced turbines. Here are some turbine features.

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First there is big and tall, then there is cute and small:

http://www.avinc.com/ce_product_details.asp?Prodid=52

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AV’s small, modular wind turbine solution is designed to provide an attractive, kinetic, clean energy generating solution that integrates easily into new and existing commercial buildings. Whereas solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems are typically located on top of roofs, out of sight, Architectural Wind™ provides a visible, compelling and architecturally enhancing statement of the building’s commitment to renewable energy.

Unlike other small wind turbine designs, Architectural Wind™ combines the functional with the aesthetic to create the first modular and architecturally enhancing small wind turbine system. AV’s patented design and innovative positioning method takes advantage of the natural acceleration in wind speed resulting from the building’s aerodynamic properties. This accelerated wind speed can increase the turbines’ electrical power generation by more than 50% compared to the power generation that would result from systems situated outside of the acceleration zone. The sleek and modular units also operate with less noise and vibration compared to conventional wind turbine designs.

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This is the favorite of many large users. It’s durable too:

http://www.bergey.com/

Bergey Windpower is one of the world’s leading suppliers of small wind turbines. With 30 years experience, installations in all 50 U.S. States and more than 100 countries, and an international network of  500 dealers, we have the products and experience to put the wind to work for you.  

   At Bergey Windpower, we take pride in offering advanced-technology products that let homeowners and businesses generate their own clean power and even spin their utility meter backwards.  Our turbines are also used for off-grid homes, for rural electrification, and to boost the performance of solar electric systems.

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Four more tomorrow.

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