Wind generator at cabela's

[michiganmom]

Hey, cabela's has a wind generator for sale.I was wondering if any of you could tell me if thats a good deal and a big enough one? They clame it would run a small cabin. What do you think abou it?
michiganmom

[kawalekm]

Before you buy anything, you should get a good idea of just how much wind your area is getting. You don't have to run out and buy a wind gauge. You can estimate the amount of wind your site gets with this chart.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaufort_scale
Sit outside for a while during different parts of the day (morning, noon, evening, night) and use the scale to determine what your approximate wind speed is. Try to put together a rough estimate as to how many hours of how much wind you are getting.

The hard part is going from your average wind speed to the number of watts produced. In general, these wind machines produce no power at all below a certain speed, usually around 8-10 miles per hour. Because power goes up with the cube of the wind speed, low speeds produce next to no power. At 15 mph, this machine might be producing about 1/10 output, or about 40-45 watts. It will only produce its rated power at almost 30 mph. It only gets that windy during thunderstorms or other weather events.

However, a stead output of 2-3 amps (30-45 watts) all the time might be enough to keep your system charged. You are going to need some kind of tower to raise the willmill up. Thirty feet above obstructions is considered to be absolute minimum, because of surface turbulence. You don't want the windmill to be in turbulent wind because it causes the bearings to wear out very fast. And besides, the wind is always faster the higher up you go. Probably your best bet is a combination solar/wind system that will produce some power rain or shine.
Michael

[walls0stone]

Cabelas, as much as I dig going to the store, just resells stuff you could get for half the price in another store.

[michiganmom]

Thanks so much. I will check out that site. I hope to figure this stuff out. The only problem i could see with solar is in the winters here we dont get much sun and some days none at all. I will have to check out the wind speed here and see if it would be feasable and maby then we could do a combo wind/solar. I know it can be done i just have to find the cheapest way with out getting cheap made products.
Thanks again
michiganmom

[johnjmw]

Michiganmom don't forget, Solar and wind often compliment each other. If it is not sunny out side it is often windy from the weather fronts. This is one reason that many installers offer both solar and wind systems.
John

[michiganmom]

Ya that is a good plan for here a combo. Thanks
michiganmom

[johnjmw]

Any time ;) It's the type of system I'll be getting in when I get my cabin in. Though the wind generator will probably be home built and wild ac till it gets to the battery room. That way the wiring can be much less expensive.
John

[michiganmom]

I need to learn alot more yett before i go get any thing and money right now is not the greatest but i am working on it. Some day some way i will get it done, i just keep trying.

[DavidOH]

Yes, you could buy that from Cabela's , ::) or anywhere else.

Cabela's: http://tinyurl.com/arhybx $599
Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/d53jqx $499
Real Goods: http://www.realgoods.com/product/id/1028017.do $749

All the same thing. Air X 400watt

You are probably better off with a local supplier who is well informed and will help with the installation.

[Anon001]

MichiganMom,
Keep in mind also that when you size any type of alternative energy, whether solar, wind, or hydro, you usually size the system and battery banks for some time without sun, wind, etc.

Also, you can occasionally find solar/wind components on Craig's list for a lot less money. But, learn what you are looking at first. I have been on solar since May 1998. I am 100% off-grid. The only thing I wouldn't buy on Craig's List is an inverter or charge controller unless you see them working. With a solar panel, take a "voltmeter" with you and see how much power it puts out in full sun. Then you know if it's working still.

Keep in mind that most solar panels are warranteed for 15 to 30 years. Mine are warranteed for 25 years and are rated for 1 inch hail at 80mph.

I would suggest getting a good book. I use backwoodssolar.com. They are very helpful and love answering questions. They can recommend the best book for a beginner to start understanding how it all works and how to do it. I also found them to be less money for solar panels when I bought mine. Also keep in mind that you can start with one panel and add to it later and you can add a windcharger later as well. But, if given a choice of which to go with first....always go with the solar first and then add the wind later.

[michiganmom]

Thanks Paul, I will have to get a book and now i know where to look for one. I do need to understand alot more about this. That would be so great to be off the grid one of these days.

[michiganmom]

Thanks Paul, I will have to get a book and now i know where to look for one. I do need to understand alot more about this. That would be so great to be off the grid one of these days.

[michiganmom]

Thanks Paul, I will have to get a book and now i know where to look for one. I do need to understand alot more about this. That would be so great to be off the grid one of these days.

[michiganmom]

Thanks Paul, I will have to get a book and now i know where to look for one. I do need to understand alot more about this. That would be so great to be off the grid one of these days.

[michiganmom]

Thanks Paul, I will have to get a book and now i know where to look for one. I do need to understand alot more about this. That would be so great to be off the grid one of these days.

[michiganmom]

Oh my, thier is a problem with my computer or somthing LOL.

[Anon001]

LOL.... did you get dizzy and keep bumping the wrong key? LOL There is a lot to learn but not as much as you think. I have been 100% off grid since May 1998 and I still need to learn so much more. A couple books to start with are, "Battery Book for Your PV Home" about $10... explains a lot about batteries, well I guess that's obvious. lol. The other is "Solar Electric Independent Home". I think that book is written with "newbies" in mind and the writing and the drawings are very easy for anyone to understand and learn as they read.

good luck and keep working for your goal.
Paul

[michiganmom]

Thank You Paul i will check those books out and yes i think i was pretty dizzy that day LOL.