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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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Thanks, Gnu-----good info.
I was specifically referring to applications at a private home that is on the "grid". The idea being promoted by Sauer is that when it is windy
(requires a min. of 3 mph wind) that you personal turbine contributes excess power to the 'grid' thus reversing the meter and lowering your overall
cost of power. I was wondering if this concept actually pencils out?
By the way, I don't believe this application requires a "100 foot tower"-------my understanding is a mounting much less intrusive, like on the roof.
At present, I believe they are taling about a cost of about $4K per installation. (I have been watching this Company as a possible investment, and am
on their e-mail list)
Thanks again, Gnu.
Barry
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gnukid
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
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If you have a flat rate power plan then the costs are the same per KWH and often quite low but if you are on a scaled plan that increases your costs
up you could reduce the rate tier using an alternative power supply system like this device and the product could more quickly become beneficial.
Do the math, 4k initial cost, cost per controller and inverter to connect to the grid plus installation, maintenance and repair est 6k total.
How long would it take for you to break even from 6k cost savings in energy?
Sauer Turbine life expectancy is 20 years which is unlikely. Also I couldn't find detailed spec sheets for the turbine but I did find complaints that
their estimates are based on perfect wold scenarios that are unachievable in practice, though I can't confirm this.
And consider the wind in your area and apply a theoretical approach to plot the costs and benefits on paper.
I'll add more as I find more detailed specs.
[Edited on 6-7-2012 by gnukid]
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taoswheat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 73
Registered: 11-29-2007
Location: Taos, NM USA
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If you live off grid and want a nice lifestyle, then the practical choices for power are a generator and or wind, solar, and batteries. The best
choice is determined by individual circumstances.
If you are on grid and want to add solar or wind and sell it to the power company, it is less practical or logical. The Sauer web site shows about 1KW
generated at 20mph wind and lists approximately $8K for the unit. If we assume the wind blows 20mph for half time, that gives 12kWh per day. My
power cost is about 15 cents/kWh so the Sauer unit might pay (save) $1.80 per day or $657 per year. $8K/$657=12 years to break even. Why would one
want to spend money on such an 'investment'?
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by taoswheat
If you live off grid and want a nice lifestyle, then the practical choices for power are a generator and or wind, solar, and batteries. The best
choice is determined by individual circumstances.
If you are on grid and want to add solar or wind and sell it to the power company, it is less practical or logical. The Sauer web site shows about 1KW
generated at 20mph wind and lists approximately $8K for the unit. If we assume the wind blows 20mph for half time, that gives 12kWh per day. My
power cost is about 15 cents/kWh so the Sauer unit might pay (save) $1.80 per day or $657 per year. $8K/$657=12 years to break even. Why would one
want to spend money on such an 'investment'? |
Excellent points, by both you and Gnukid. Looks like a lousy investment to me. [the $8K is considerably more than I was led to believe (by Sauer),
however]
Thanks.
Barry
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taoswheat
Junior Nomad
Posts: 73
Registered: 11-29-2007
Location: Taos, NM USA
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The $8K came from Sauer FAQ- Here is a link
http://sauerenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view...
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