Bringing Small Wind Energy to the Masses

This fall, Ace Hardware will be bringing small wind to the masses!  Across the United States, in over 4,600 independently owned and operated stores, you’ll be able to purchase a new technology small wind turbine.  The EarthTronics Honeywell Wind Turbine is especially developed for homeowners and small businesses.

To start out, Ace Hardware gets the bragging rights as the launch partner with Honeywell.  I suspect that other home improvement retailers will also ask for the rights to sell the micro-turbine.  Fortunately, the EarthTronics wind turbine will be made available on request to other outlets.

Here are some fast facts about the new product:

• MSRP Cost:  About $4,500
• Maximum power output: 2 kW
• Maximum wind speed: 45 mph
• Rotor diameter: 5.7 feet
• Expected clean energy generation: In a location with class 4 winds (average 16 mph) the EarthTronics turbine should generate 2000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year of electricity, which represents approx. 18% of annual household energy needs.

Earthtronics Honeywell wind turbines to be sold at Ace Hardware

photo credit: .Larry Page

Wonder if a $4-5,000 investment is too much?  Consider that it costs 2/3 more to install traditional wind turbines, than an Earthtronics wind turbine.  This gives it a lower installed cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than other small wind turbines on the market.  Don’t forget that you’ll be eligible for federal and state rebates which further drop the cost to you by 30-80%!

Home and small business owners can easily install the micro-turbine on the edges of rooftops.  Power is generated at the bladetips, instead of at the central shaft.  The design allows for a slower “cut-in speed,” for operation – in other words, even gentle light breezes will be able to reduce your grid-tied power consumption.

As part of its “Home Energy Solutions” package, the Earthtronics Honeywell wind turbine comes with an inverter, interconnect switch to wire the system, a computerized smart box, and even a package of 30 compact florescent bulbs to save energy inside, while you generate clean power outside.

I love this idea to help bring small wind to the masses!  Can’t wait for Ace Hardware to start selling these turbines in the fall.  What do you think?  Are you in the market for a home wind turbine?

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