The higher a wind turbine is, the faster the wind speeds it can catch. The ultimate in fast, consistent wind is the jet stream – but it happens to be 15,000-35,000 feet above the ground. Several companies are exploring flying windmills that can actually reach that high. Sky Wind Power has a functional prototype of a flying windmill that is tethered to the ground by a long cord. Electrical storms and safety, however, are still major concerns. Another company, Magenn, has a smaller blimp-like windmill. It would be safer in a crash because of its soft body, and the design allows it to function below the jet stream.
A combination of new technologies, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, resulted in a product that quietly produces electricity for a fraction of the cost of current technologies. Skystream’s low cost and low profile provides homeowners an affordable energy supplement that’s appropriate for installation in many residential areas around the country. With no batteries, Skystream 3.7 connects directly to the home to supply power. When the wind is not blowing, the home is powered by the electric utility. Depending on the local utility, excess electricity can be sold back to the utility or used at a later date.
“Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and take control of their energy costs,” said Andrew Kruse, co-founder of Southwest Windpower. “Wind energy for the individual homeowner is finally main-stream.”
With a typical cost of $8,000 to $10,000 to purchase and install, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in 5 to 12 years. This payback period will vary and can be much quicker in states with investment rebates. It’s anticipated that Skystream 3.7 will save the average homeowner $500 to $800 per year, based on 4,800 to 6,600 kWh produced per year and a $0.12/kWh cost of electricity. This output would provide 40 to 90 percent of an average home’s energy needs. In states like Hawaii, where the cost of energy and wind speeds are both high, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in less than 4 years.