Fri, 01/15/2010 - 15:38
I need some inputs / help from the vast community here on this website.
We are doing some due dilligence on a company which manufactures 2KW wind turbines which can be installed in resdential communities and in backyards of homes. The power generated can be put into the house supply directly and any excess power could be put into the grid.
I am looking to answer the following questions:
1. Would you as a user use it? Why or why not?
2. If you use it, how much would you want to pay for it?
3. What would be the criteria on which you would make your decision?
4. What kind of RoI would you expect for such a product?
Please leave your answers here for me so others can also view and use the community as a way to build upon this.
I appreciate everyone's time here and hope we can bring this wind turbine to everypne's household at a decent price.
I would personally like to speak with the person with the best answer and gain more insights.
(2 votes)
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 09:03
#1
1. I would use it if the startup wind speed for the turbine is less than 2 meters per sec. Also the power generated at lower speeds should allow me to charge the batteries. See batteries have a minimum wattage below which they do not charge efficiently.
2. If I can recover the cost of my present electricity bills in 20 years, I am willing to pay that much. Note that if I use it, I am expecting we can go offgrid, hence future bills will be zero.
3. Key criteria is that when there is no wind, there should be some mechanism to supply electricity. Low wind speeds should provide at least enough power to charge batteries comfortably. Should be able to operate in dusty conditions. Other criteria I am expecting in a renewable energy solution is it should be able to satisfy high drain demand or startup surge power that are typical of heavy lifting applications like operating elevator motors should be satisfied.
4. In addition to 20 year return on investment, any subsidies, govt grants and most importantly accumulation of carbon credits at an individual level.
Sat, 01/16/2010 - 12:03
#2
Sandeep,
I like your comments a lot. It appears as if you have really gone through some wind turbine implementations in the past or some analysis for it.
Is it possible to share your experiences here for the future commentators also?
Also, how feasible has been the 20 year RoI been? Has anyone really achieved it? How easy or difficult has it been to sell this kind of RoI to the customer?
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 22:39
#3
1. Would you as a user use it? Why or why not?
--> I am from India and Lives in City Appt. where wind is blocked by tall buildings.
More over if I want to Install on Roof of My building , I need permissions from
Lots of agencies and residents of Building.
--> If it is to be used for Building : The authority of the area and Developer of
Building has to consider it in planning stage and City Corporation must give
Incentive to promote and make it compusary to use at least 20% of Renewable
energy for building occupants.
--> Solar,Diesel,waste,Biogas are to be made Hybrid to make complete eco-system
for Building.
It appears as impossible but it will be future need for our survival.
2. If you use it, how much would you want to pay for it?
--> If I want to use it , the Emolment Per Month (EMI-Principle + Interest)must be equal to
my Energy Bills. or at least near to it for long term and I need Long term soft loan.
--> OR I must get Tax Benifits on my earning.
Since any Govt. in world can not give cash benifits this is another way.
3. What would be the criteria on which you would make your decision?
--> Already explianed in 1 & 2.
4. What kind of RoI would you expect for such a product?
--> For sustanabilty over Product Life cycle , the quality & Servicve
Must be very good for ROI.
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Feasibilty Study : 1] The Trees / Buildings where the Wind Turbine Installed must not block the wind comming to Turbine blades.If Prominet wind direction of wind after microsite study - and road is on same direction
it is good to have open area of wind comming to turbine with Tunnel effect.
2] In my obervation only wind turbine is not sufficent for Home application, Hybrid with Solar is needed.( I am relating this with Indian Conditions)
3]The Permenent Magnet with DC output generator is best and battery charging and Inverter.Hybrid with Solar is easy.
4]Vertical Axis where the wind speed is more ( near Ground ) is friendly for maitenace and long life.
5]Execess wind power back to grid generally not possible, offline grid is best.
6]Lighting loads with LED ,CFL with microgrid concept for community feasible
Pramod
00919763716671
Please leave your answers here for me so others can also view and use the community
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 14:45
#4
1. Would you as a user use it? Why or why not?
I would use it if the data shows it will provide at least 75% of my power needs and can pass local permit approvals.
Net metering is necessary, I wouldn't want batteries
2. If you use it, how much would you want to pay for it?
I would look at the cost as no more than 12 - 15 years of electric bills at current rates. State & Federal incentives would figure in to this I'm sure. Since many people are becoming familiar with costs & incentives related to Solar, the numbers are bound to be compared.
3. What would be the criteria on which you would make your decision?
Total installed Cost, siting, noise level, logistics of installation, local ordinances/ acceptance government incentives / tax rebates. Warranty maintenance & insurance costs would need to be spelled out in detail as wel.l
4. What kind of RoI would you expect for such a product?
I expect it to fall between 9 & 15 years payback. If I had a site with good potential I would want that site to produce 100 - 125% of my current energy needs. I would also like to know there is more than one option (spoiled American) I:E: I can suplement at 65-75% or I can pay the extra & go for full power capability with room for growth.
Fri, 01/29/2010 - 21:51
#5
These type of small turbines generally amount to a "feel good" solution for the purchaser of the equipment. Rather than significantly impacting the amount of energy they pull from the grid or the annual cost of energy for them.
Additional not all power companies are set up to take power back to the grid and credit the generator. There will likely be a number of logistics issues with these installations.
