Monday, September 12, 2011

Energy: Windspire Energy Wind Turbines












Windspire Energy is a renewable energy company located in Reno, Nevada.   They have developed a new kind of wind turbine.  The Windspire wind turbine was launched in 2008 and stands only 30 feet tall and four feet wide.  It does not look like the traditional turbine that we are all accustomed to seeing.  The Windspire turbine blends in seamlessly with existing structures and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  The turbines are ultra quiet and are designed and manufactured in the United States.  The Windspire is affordable and eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.

Instead of traditional blades, the Windspire is equipped with vertical airfoils.  The turbine spins when wind blows against the airfoils.  The power is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity which can immediately power a building.  The stronger the wind, the more power the Windspire generates.    

 The Windspire was designed to operate in areas with an average of 10 mph winds.  However, they work best when winds are greater than 11 mph.  Each Windspire is capable of generating 2,000 kWhs a year in 11 mph annual average winds.  It is also capable of withstanding winds up to 105 mph.  

Windspire turbines are virtually silent while generating clean, renewable energy.  Many communities have established new small wind turbine ordinances.  However, some communities still require special use permits.   Windspire Energy has a team of experts to help with the permitting process and to design a site plan.  


Windspire turbines are currently installed and being utilized at schools, residences, and organic farms.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently has grants available to help defray the costs , which can be combined with the 30% federal tax credit and local rebates.  After credits and rebates it costs around $4000.



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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    These turbines are a bit more aesthetically pleasing than traditional turbines, not that I had a problem with the traditional look anyway. The fact that it generates power with just 10mph winds is very promising. I just wonder what the maintenance costs might add up to. Guess I'll just have to order a brochure from the website. Thanks for the post.

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  2. J.A. BellSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    The selling point of these particular turbines is their low cost, that they are virtually silent, and at only 30 feet tall they are able to be used in areas that have certain height restrictions. Most restrictions require the turbine to be under 35 feet tall. They are designed to operate for 20 years or more with little maintenance.

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Very intersting wind turbines haven't seen this concept yet and it very pleasing to the eye. My thoughts are can they be mounted horizontal and be put on the ridge of a home and still have the same functionality.

    George Hornung

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  4. J.A. BellSeptember 27, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    George, I don't believe that they can be mounted in that manner. However, extension poles are available in 5, 10, 15 and 20 foot monopoles.

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