Has anyone used vertical wind generators to augment their solar power?

Betty Saleh
by Betty Saleh
I am wondering what successes are out there.


  4 answers
  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Dec 17, 2017

    See if you don't find this informative, Betty:

    https://energy.gov/energysaver/small-wind-electric-systems

  • Mary Mary on Dec 18, 2017

    All solar works great. The problem is so many sales man that just sell. First you need to look at your electric bill see how much wattage or volts you use a month. The divide by 30 the amount of days in a month. With this information you can decide how much you need. Some wind generators only put out enough for a couple of hours so you would need a larger one. Going off the grid you have to have a battery bank this is an added expense. This also has to be built away from the house. Staying hooked to the power company and sell excess back to them is less expensive. Also you need to check if you have an HOA if this or panels are allowed. Then there is the type. If you want the wind mill and not panels you have to consider maintenance cost if you can't do it your self. So a wind mill will need to be able to hinge over. They don't work well in high winds, they need to be shut down and locked. There are barrel type panels that are stack able to get you more watts and have a higher wind resistance. After all those decisions are made you will have to have it installed if you can't and don't take the first guy you talk to many electricians are getting certified to do this now and are a lot cheaper. Check the internet for the best prices. Good luck


    • See 1 previous
    • Betty Saleh Betty Saleh on Dec 18, 2017

      Thanks. We are trying to determine whether or not whether to incorporate wind with solar, we know we are going to have solar! Your tips are valuable, I appreciate your tak the time to respond. Good info!

  • Jeanstar Jeanstar on Dec 18, 2017

    Not all power companies buy your excess or even let you bank excess.

  • Jeanstar Jeanstar on Dec 18, 2017

    Calculate how many years it will be for you to break even on the cost of installation given the savings of not buying electricity.

    • Betty Saleh Betty Saleh on Dec 18, 2017

      We have. The break free is around 4 years, but adding in maintenance costs, more like 5 years. Electricity in Hawaii is very expensive!