CaveShacker
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2013 11:58am
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Hi, Chad. I've given up on wind after years of tinkering with a couple different windmills. Best to check user reviews for any systems you're considering. There aren't may good reviews out there on the affordable systems. I'm tinkering with hydro at my cave cabin site, but otherwise, now only use solar off-grid. What else would you need? A good tower, since wind speed rises significantly with height. Some windmills advertise quiet enough operation to allow mounting on a roof, but most of the user reviews I've read don't agree. Vibration can be very significant, and stress on a roof has to be considered. At any rate, you should install a mill well above surrounding trees and buildings to obtain wind without eddies that would stress the unit and reduce output.
Beware that advertised power is for wind speeds usually in the range of 30 MPH, and at starting speed, you get only 5 to 10 percent of that. Wind angle, directional variability and constancy also affect power output. I've seen low-mounted mills work well where wind channels down an open valley or across an open field, but it's not the norm. Good constant wind, rather than gusty wind, is best, and that's usually found high above all the surroundings.
Good luck!
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