Wind Power Payback Period - Home Improvement Article

By:Sam Streubel

The much anticipated Skystream 3.7 residential wind turbine by Southwest Wind Power has just been released and will start shipping in August. But what's the payback period for the latest in wind power technology?

What sets the Skystream 3.7 apart from other residential wind turbines is the all-inclusive wind generator with the controls and inverter built in. Rather than converting an inverter designed for grid-connected solar, the inverter was designed specifically for this application.

In the words of Southwest Wind Power: “Skystream 3.7™ is the first residential wind appliance to produce energy at a cost ($.09/kWh) that is lower than the retail rate of many electric utilities. Depending on the tower and installation costs, wind speed average, rebates and local electricity costs, Skystream 3.7 can pay for itself in as quickly as 4 years.”

When I figured out the payback period it came out closer to 8 years. I didn’t include the positive effect of net metering – the sale of unused power to the grid - because there are just too many variables to consider.

Here’s a cost estimate for for a do it yourself installation:

Skystream 3.7 - $5,400

"Whisper" 42’ guyed tower kit - $760

Installation items not included - $800

in the tower kit: 4.5 yards of

concrete, rope, wire and tower

adapter.

Cost before tax credit - $6,960

Massachusetts tax credit* - ($1,000)

Final cost - $5,960

*At present there is no Federal tax break for residential wind power. Systems purchased in Massachusetts are exempt from sales tax.

Southwest Wind Power Pay Back Period

According to the “Skystream 3.7” monthly kWh production chart, an average wind speed of 12mph will generate 400 kWh per month. This is 400kWh you’re taking off the grid every month. It’s also 400kWh you don’t have to pay for.

In Eastern Massachusetts this would mean a savings of $63/mo or $754 annually.

At $754 a year, it will take you 8 years to recoup your investment. If you choose to have your wind power generator professionally installed, the total cost will be closer to $8000. Financing your purchase will also lengthen the pay back period.

I haven’t taken into account the potential cash flow benefit generated by net metering. Everything you earn from selling power back to the grid will help shorten the pay back period.

I also assumed that the cost per kWh charged by the utilities will remain unchanged in the future. We know that rates will be going up. But every time they do, you’ll save almost 50% of the increase.

The Skystream 3.7 starts producing power with only an 8 mph breeze, and achieves full output at 20 mph. Also, according to Southwest Wind Power, "Skystream 3.7™ operates exceptionally quietly. In fact, Skystream 3.7™ is unrecognizable over trees blowing in the wind.”

I think an 8 year payback period is very reasonable. One thing I’ve learned about people interested in alternative energy – they are a forward looking group and realize it takes a great deal of planning to successfully reach their individual energy saving goals.

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Article keywords: wind power payback period, wind power payback, wind power, wind power generator, home wind power, southwest wind power, wind power turbines, residential wind power, skystream, pay back period, skystream 3.7

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