PoliticalChic
Diamond Member
In its October 2011 issue, Consumer Reports reviews wind turbines as an alternative energy option.
1. CR tested Honeywell WT6500 Wind Turbine. The $11,000 unit was installed at the Yonkers, NY headquarters. Even before rebates, the unit is less expensive than many wind systems. Its warranted for five years, and can be ordered through True Values.
2. Another factor in selection, its among the few systems that can be mounted on a roof, and is low-noise rated. This should involve an analysis of the roofs structure, as the system is over 440 pounds. And, may require a waiver from the zoning board.
3. WindTronics, which makes the system, says it can deliver 18 to 23 percent of an average homes annual electricity needs. Based on this, it should pay for itself in about six years, based on a) the energy created in your area, b)the 30% federal tax credit, and c) thousands in state rebates.
4. Sadly, we have yet to see the power the company says we should expect- even after sever visits from the tech. At the current rate (no pun intended), the Honeywell wouldnt pay for itself over the expected 20 years of its life.
5. WindTronics claims 2,000 kWh per year at class 3 winds, which the federal government defines as 11.5 to 12.5 mph. But windknowledge.com showed an output of just 1,155 kWh per year at the 12 mph average it predicted for our area.
a. This is only about 10% of the 11,000 kWh per year for the average home- not the 18%- 23% WindTronics asserts!
b. And, while WindTronics calculator gives a good rating for the 12 mph speeds it predicts in our zipcode, that is at a height of 164 feet, not the 33 foot roof height Honeywell calls for.
c. And, a New York government map lists average wind speed for our area below 10 mph, not 12.
d. Hills, trees, other obstructions will give an even lower wind speed.
6. Want to guess why CR sub-titles the article new wind turbine delivers little ?
1. CR tested Honeywell WT6500 Wind Turbine. The $11,000 unit was installed at the Yonkers, NY headquarters. Even before rebates, the unit is less expensive than many wind systems. Its warranted for five years, and can be ordered through True Values.
2. Another factor in selection, its among the few systems that can be mounted on a roof, and is low-noise rated. This should involve an analysis of the roofs structure, as the system is over 440 pounds. And, may require a waiver from the zoning board.
3. WindTronics, which makes the system, says it can deliver 18 to 23 percent of an average homes annual electricity needs. Based on this, it should pay for itself in about six years, based on a) the energy created in your area, b)the 30% federal tax credit, and c) thousands in state rebates.
4. Sadly, we have yet to see the power the company says we should expect- even after sever visits from the tech. At the current rate (no pun intended), the Honeywell wouldnt pay for itself over the expected 20 years of its life.
5. WindTronics claims 2,000 kWh per year at class 3 winds, which the federal government defines as 11.5 to 12.5 mph. But windknowledge.com showed an output of just 1,155 kWh per year at the 12 mph average it predicted for our area.
a. This is only about 10% of the 11,000 kWh per year for the average home- not the 18%- 23% WindTronics asserts!
b. And, while WindTronics calculator gives a good rating for the 12 mph speeds it predicts in our zipcode, that is at a height of 164 feet, not the 33 foot roof height Honeywell calls for.
c. And, a New York government map lists average wind speed for our area below 10 mph, not 12.
d. Hills, trees, other obstructions will give an even lower wind speed.
6. Want to guess why CR sub-titles the article new wind turbine delivers little ?