What are best wind and solar powered generators?

Question

This would be for a residential area and need to comply to fire and other safety regulations. I want to generate electric power for home and electric vehicles.

Answer 1

I agree with Ken G.  This is a difficult question to answer without more information.  I'm just starting to learn about residential solar panels, so I won't be able to help you much there.  The one thing I've read repeatedly is that solar and wind power compliment each other very well.

I write a couple of blogs on residential wind power and I can tell you that the most popular wind generator for residential use is the Skystream 3.7.  I don't own one, so I can't say it's the best.  There are many other options available as well with new products coming out all the time.

I wrote a blog post a while back that outlined five steps to determine whether or a not residential wind generator is an option for you.  I think the best advice I could give you would be to follow these steps.

1. Get a handle on your electricity consumption.

2. Get an idea of the average wind speed in your area.

3. Research wind generators available in your area and determine manufacturer estimates of how much energy you can expect each generator to produce.

4. Review the production estimates from the manufacturer of each product to determine which products can produce the electricity you require at the average wind speed for your area.

5. If you've been able to find one or more products that seem to meet your needs, the next step is to determine the cost and how long it will take to recoup your initial investment.

Here's a link to the full article:

http://residentialwindpower.blogspot.com...

Here's a link to more information about the Skystream 3.7:

http://residentialwindturbine.blogspot.c...

There is a bit of work involved, but I think you have to do this research before anyone will be able to give you any relevant recommendations about the best residential wind generator for you situation.

Answer 2

ANy one that works.

Answer 3

You're asking a difficult question only because the technology is improving each month.   What is the best today probably won't be the best next year.  For wind power you will need a wind availibility survey describing the average wind conditions throughout the year for your locality.  Every homesite is a bit different.  To establish a cost/benefit analysis your first have to know  how much wind energy is available.