[dbrower]

So, at his site, 10+ years ago, his wind produced more frequent power than PV would have, at 3x the cost of a commercial solution.

Even then, PV would have been more cost-efficient. Now with storage probably even more so.

Small wind is a mug's game except in very specific circumstances.

[bruce511]

I sooo want a wind turbine to supplement my solar, but as you say, I just can't make the economics work.

For starters, wind is a lot more mechanical. Meaning moving parts. Meaning maintainence, storm care, and so on.

For another it's more obtrusive, large, high, creates some degree of noise etc.

It's not exactly cheap. My inverter could handle it, but between the mounting and turbine, it's some real cash.

The argument for it just falls apart when I do the math. For less money and waaay less hassle, I could just extend the solar.

So I love the -idea- of wind but the economics of it just don't work at personal-scale (yet?)

Personal Hydro also looks interesting (but alas I have neither the elevation, nor river for that). For a while I researched ocean wave (especially shore wave), but I dont live by the sea.

Ultimately we use what we can get, which for me is solar. I get plenty of wind here, which is why it seems a waste to not use it, but again, economics...

[cyberax]

There are commercially available wind turbines, rated for 1-20kW.

My partner's parents installed such a system in Oregon, they live off-grid and use it to minimize their propane generator's use. A 3kW system was around $7k in total.

It doesn't make much sense if you have a grid connection, the payback time will likely be at least 15 years or so. But it makes sense for an off-grid system.

[spockz]

What is the longevity of such a wind turbine? How much maintenance goes into it, both hours and money for parts? 15 years is quite a long time.

[cyberax]

The maintenance needs to be done about once every two years or so. It requires lowering down the mast and inspecting the bearings. Both are pretty easy to do.

It's a simple system without a gearbox, the only moving parts are the rotor and the brakes.

The turbine is supposed to last for 20 years, and it can probably exceed that.

[onlyrealcuzzo]

How many kwh per day does the 3kw system cost?

2 of those could, theoretically, power all of a typical house's electricity if they got anywhere near 3kw on average.

$14k to not need the grid would be a deal.

[cyberax]

You won't really be able to power a house consistently with wind turbines because there are long periods (many days) without enough wind. No amount of storage can compensate for that, you'll need a generator or a grid tie-in.

The average capacity factor over the last year was about 30%, and they live in a rather windy location.

[cinntaile]

If you supplement that with some solar panels and a battery, a generator wouldn't have to run that often.

[adrianN]

Big commercial onshore turbines run at something like 20% peak on average. Your tiny system would likely be much worse.

[dotancohen]

You would need energy storage as well, not to mention spare parts.

[dylan604]

sometimes, it's not about the money.

[pstuart]

Indeed. It is a fascinating journey and he even notes it in the article:

  "...even though from an economical point of view this project was an absolutely terrible loss the amount of satisfaction of seeing a dream like that come true is truly amazing"

I hope he sees the post hit the front page and shares any updates on it.

[082349872349872]

Note that the original uses (pumping, grinding) of windmills were for high-torque, low-speed applications.

In principle, gearing should make the low-torque, high-speed motors that one can drive via PV their equivalent or better. I'm no MechE; what's the situation in practice?