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WIND POWER
Wind generators are an effective source of renewable power in many areas across the world. To make sure a small wind system is right for you, there are things to consider during our site evaluation
- We must have at least 4.5 m/s (10 MPH ) average wind speed. Best results at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s) or more.
- Your property is unobstructed from tall buildings and trees. Ideally, you should have 0.5 acres or more
- The local zoning allows a structure that is at least 12.8 m (42 feet) tall
- We will help you determine if your local utility has an existing interconnection agreement were by you can sell energy back into the grid.
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NEW! Power Predictor
Here at GIST we use precise meteorological instrument to measure average wind speed during our on site evaluations before we make productive recommendations. This Power Predictor anemometer measures solar and wind energy at your site. It comes with a data logger and online analysis software that compares the main wind turbines and solar panels on the market!
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Once we have determined that you have the right conditions for a wind power system, we will need to consider the best place on your property. Proper siting is critical to the performance and longevity of your investment. It can make the difference between years of trouble free operation or continuous frustration.
This guide is a precursor to investing in a small residential scale wind power generator. Whether your reason for investing is because of your concern for the environment, helping reduce fossil fuel usage or pure economics, we at GIST want to make sure you get the most from your wind generator. Before making any investment in small wind, be sure to review this guide carefully, ask lots of questions and once you feel confident, call us.
Do I have enough wind?" is often the first and most asked question. Generally, if you feel like you have a very windy site, you most likely have a good place for a wind power system. It is always a good idea to invest some small resources into wind study, there by avoiding future disappointments. Here at GIST, we offer this comprehensive wind study at a minimum cost to our clients.
SITE EVALUATION
The ideal position for a wind power generator is a flat open space with good wind from at least one direction (known as the prevailing wind direction), a coastline, or a smooth hill top with an open area in the prevailing wind. The wind speeds up significantly near the top of the hill and the air flow should be reasonably smooth and free from excessive turbulence.
Excessive turbulence or "bad wind" causes fatigue damage and shortens a generator's working life. When siting, keep away from local obstructions such as large trees and houses, or use a taller tower to ensure that the generator is well above the obstructions. Wind speed also increases with height so it is best to have the generator as high as your zoning laws and investment payback will allow. We recommend to site you generator at least 6 m (20 feet) above any surrounding obstacles such as trees or buildings in a 76 m (250 foot) radius
Wind resource is not the only consideration during site evaluation. Components such as taller towers and running large amounts of wire more than 152 m (500 feet) from your site can add significant costs to your wind system. GIST will help balance power achieved in the best wind site over the cost of installation to determine the best overall placement of your system.
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Coastline or Lakeside
Very strong prevailing winds typically blow from the ocean. If this is the case, it is very important to install your wind generator as close to the coastline as possible. Trees and taller structures can be down-wind from the wind generator.
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Ridge Top
Wind compresses as it blows over the top of a hill, increasing the wind speed. With proper placement, you may be able to use a shorter tower. We never recommend anything shorter than 10 m (33 feet). It is important to follow the general rule; that is the tower must be at least 6 m (20 feet) above any surrounding object.
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Cliff Top
Winds may be very turbulent running off a cliff causing wind shears. It is important to site the generator far enough from the cliff to avoid turbulent wind.
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TOWERS
Because wind speeds increase with height, a residential wind generator is mounted on a tower. The tower also raises the generator above the air turbulence that can exist close to the ground because of obstructions such as hills, buildings, and trees.
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Your wind resource will be cleaner and stronger the higher you go. The taller your tower, the better your power output. However, taller towers will increase the cost of your installation and may not be allowed in some areas, it is best to evaluate your overall energy and cost payback before investing in taller towers (see diagram at top).
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The two most common types of towers are guyed and monopole. Both are available in various designs. Some can be tilted-down for easy access while others require a crane installation and service (see diagram above).
SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION:
Design and Engineering:
To help you determine if solar power is the right investment for you, we perform a free, comprehensive analysis of your utility bills and energy usage, and then conduct an on-site evaluation to assess climate, sun exposure and your home’s physical characteristics. If together we determine that a solar power system makes sense for your home, we will prepare a detailed proposal at minimum cost no obligation to you.
Our engineering team designs a solar power system that meets your personal energy goals and the power needs of your home. We take a multitude of factors into consideration when designing a solar electric system for your home, including system orientation, solar panel tilt angle, integrity of mounting surface, and any shading concerns.
Our engineering team has extensive experience in residential and commercial solar power system installations on all types of roofs and alternate structures. Rooftop installations are most common, but solar electric systems can be built on other structures as well, such as barns, garages, carports, gazebos and trellises. They can also be mounted on poles in the ground or on a sloping hillside.
We will review system design details with you to ensure that your system is laid out and specified to your satisfaction. We cover all aspects of the system design including number of solar panels and inverters, equipment layout, roof attachment details, and wiring. We will address all your questions and concerns to be sure that you are satisfied with the system design and specifications, and then create a detailed set of engineering drawings to guide every step of the installation.
The strength and the industry knowledge of GIST enables us to have strong relationships with the top manufacturers of solar panels, inverters and other solar power system components. So you can rest assured that only the best products will be used in the building of your solar power system. And our purchasing power guarantees that we get the best possible prices on all your solar power equipment.
All our manufacturers provide warranties and power output guarantees ranging from 10 to 25 years. We select only manufacturers that are committed to developing solar products that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective and reliable.
Installation:
Our on-site project managers and locally based solar installation crews have extensive experience in residential building, electricity, and solar power. This means your high-performance solar electric system will be completed on schedule to our exacting standards, enabling a simple and safe connection to your electric utility meter
Once the design and purchasing arrangements of your solar power system have been completed, the actual installation is a straightforward procedure using well-established techniques. Our careful planning, professional engineering and thorough preparation beforehand ensure that your solar installation goes smoothly and is completed on time.
GIST project management team includes veterans of the construction and solar power industries. We are Registered to do business in several west African Nations including Nigeria, as both general and electrical contractors. Our highly trained professionals can spot potential complications before they arise, preventing any project delay, power interruption or other problem.
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