Skywind NG Micro Turbine: Specs and Benefits

Upturning the roof with a breeze, the Skywind NG micro turbine manages what no other machine in its class ever has. On the smallish end of wind turbines, it generates 615 kilowatt hours a year, just under 6% of the average American home’s consumption. This is some unraveling of what a wind turbine’s potential can be in areas otherwise ill-suited to large-scale energy production.

The city's new wind

The Skywind NG is a small wind turbine manufactured by the German company Skywind Energy. Micro turbines are the smallest class of wind turbines, standing less than 5 meters tall and less than 4 kilowatts in capacity. They are the only wind turbines that can be installed on residential rooftops. It is 1.5 meters across and its whole unit weighs 19 kilograms. While larger turbines typically require a wind speed of 10–11 meters per second, the Skywind NG can maintain its output with half that force. This turbine is designed for urban and suburban areas with lower average wind speeds. The Skywind NG can be bolted onto a rooftop, a mast, a lighting pole, or even a treetop. The Skywind NG can be installed in a couple of hours. Since the blades are metal, the turbine is balanced and quiet. It generates only 34 decibels at a wind speed of 10 meters per second.

The versatility of wind power

The micro wind turbine is compact and light. This means it can be mounted almost anywhere. This turbine can extend wind power’s reach from isolated hilltops to urban rooftops. As cities densify, wind may become one of the last remaining renewable resources, complementary to solar energy. The Skywind NG presents a solution to sites experiencing wind speeds at usable levels for much of the day. Beyond wind speed, micro turbines address one of the biggest challenges for larger wind turbines: space. The Skywind NG can harness wind power on a property that may not have space for even a small 10 kilowatt turbine.

The design of the Skywind NG

Balanced and controlled

The rotor of the wind turbine comprises metal blades. It allows the turbine to be installed in many places and is built with aluminum and steel. Two-blade rotational design makes this energy source unique and quiet. Two blades keep the rotor simple and make it balanced, which is what keeps it quiet. The Skywind NG, certified by European standards, can be programmed to target power outputs from 600 to 1,000 watts despite its compact size. Certified rated power is 310 watts with a measured peak of 609. It generates 615 kilowatt hours a year roughly equal to 6% of what an average American home uses in a year so it will not replace your grid connection.

Reliability through rough weather

The Skywind NG turbine generates power during the night and in bad weather, exactly when solar panels are idle. The onboard computer automatically breaks the rotor and shuts down if the wind becomes too strong, protecting the turbine’s mechanisms from damage. The Skywind NG operates during night hours and inclement weather, when solar panels are idle. The onboard computer breaks the rotor and shuts down the turbine in fierce conditions. In doing so, it can keep the turbine active 24/7.

The Skywind NG on the grid

The Skywind NG is a reliable power source for properties that experience wind speeds at usable levels for much of the day. The Skywind NG is a reliable power source and can be installed in a few hours.

Install your own micro wind turbine

Homeowners interested in installing a Skywind NG turbine need to meet the following criteria:

• Wind resource assessment: Before purchasing, a location should be checked for wind speeds at least 6.25 meters per second (14 miles per hour) for 20 mph with a guarantee of wind speeds at 9 meters per second (20 mph) or higher.
• Roof anchoring: Skywind NG turbines attach to concrete surfaces (building roofs, driveways, or pads). Roofs must be concrete, built to support the turbine. Some rooftops are not structurally sound to support the turbine.
• Use and coverage: A micro turbine will not replace the grid. Skywind claims it will generate 6% of the average American home’s usage. The Skywind NG is a wind turbine that can be mounted on residential roofs and can offset power generation during night hours and inclement weather. It’s a reliable power source for properties experiencing wind speeds at usable levels for much of the day. The Skywind NG is a reliable power source for off-the-grid sites and can be installed in a few hours. The Skywind NG is a micro turbine that can be installed on any roof. It provides the benefits of a small wind turbine with a quiet, efficient design.