Turbine, Ashland

System

Wind: 3.5 kW Raum Energy wind turbine

Cost: $18,000 installation
O&M: Had to replace inverter to large model in order to meet energy production capabilities of turbine, no problem since.

Date of Installation: Summer 2009

Type/kind: Residential (6 occupants)

Installer: Self install

Supplier: Raum Energy

Experience: Technology works great, has had to dampen sound a bit; generally good experience with NB power in setting up Net Metering

Results: Estimates $400/month in energy production -- this meets virtually all the house's energy need

Description of Case Study: This is the second such turbine installed in Canada. The turbine is intended to be near zero maintenance by using the latest technologies (Gearless, brushless, permanent magnet), so as to be easy to operate.

The only problem with the wind turbine so far is that it has produced more energy than expected, which resulted in having to replace the original grid-tie inverter (rated for 3.5 kW) to a series of 3 1.3 kW inverters. Each inverter works independently to meet the energy production requirements at any given time. Also, the turbine produces some noise, which has been reduced by adding insulation to reduce vibration in the tower.

The owner feels that wind energy, and renewable energy in general, is a necessary step for home owners. He sees this as a cost effective investment. This grid tie, net metered wind turbine is expected to meet all of his family’s energy needs, offsetting approximately $400 of electricity per month.