Last week, we mentioned that the small wind market is growing like crazy, and if things go as planned, there could be another turbine company to watch. The Honeywell Wind Turbine from EarthTronics, according to Martin LaMonica of CNET, will be sold in participating Ace Hardware Stores starting this October. EarthTronics claims the turbine can generate power at wind speeds as low as 2 mph. With Class 4 winds, the turbine can generate about 2,000 kWh per year, which is roughly 15-20% of an average home's electricity needs.
The turbine design is key to generating power at such a low wind speed. Unlike vertical axis or three-blade designs, the Honeywell Wind Turbine resembles a fan -- the design eliminates the box, shaft, and generators -- but it's gearless. The six-foot, 95-pound turbine generates power at the blade tips, rather than at the gear box.
For $4,500, the Honeywell Wind Turbine Power Blade System will be sold with a computerized smart box, inverter, and inter connect switch to wire the system to the household panel. EarthTronics says the turbine's installed cost is lower than any other turbine on the market today.
With free federal money and possible state and utility incentives, it could make economic sense to buy a Honeywell Wind Turbine. In favorable incentive areas, EarthTronics anticipates a payback of 12-36 months, so this will be a neat piece of technology to watch. I guess the question is, would you buy one?
[+] Small wind turbine works at low wind speeds by CNET.
Photo credit: Earthtronics.
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