Our wind power options are best suited for maximizing power production in the winter months, night time power production, and ideally suited for hybrid applications with Solar PV. We have several tools and books available as well for assessing your site for wind power.
At a good site, a wind turbine can generate more power for its cost than solar modules. Both together can give steadier input since a wind turbine charges the batteries in storms when there is no sun, and at night. But beware of erecting a wind turbine where the wind is not strong and steady. An area’s wind-speed, as well as the immediate terrain, will determine how well the wind turbine performs. If in doubt, we suggest starting with solar modules, and checking the wind for a year. This will show whether to add a wind turbine or more solar modules. Twelve to fifteen mph average year-round winds are necessary for an optimal installation, and these sites are not common. Wind turbines must mount at least 30 feet above trees and obstructions for 300 feet around. They need non-turbulent air where a weather vane holds a steady direction. Charge controls for wind turbines are different than for solar. A spinning turbine produces “wild AC” power which must be rectified to DC power to properly charge a battery bank. In the case of the Primus turbines listed on the next page, this rectifying is done in the turbine with no additional equipment necessary.