If you have a wind resource greater than 8 mph, and your area is free from obstacles, then a wind generator will likely be a good match. It is that easy! An important reason to have a wind turbine is because of the seasonal variations of your solar and wind resources. Plus, you will be able to generate electricity even on a windy night! A hybrid system that uses both solar photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine will make the perfect compliment that provides minimal interruptions in power.

This chart depicts the estimated kilowatt production of each wind turbine at various wind speeds. Every hour that you have a specific wind speed, you will produce the following electrical power.  Depending on your location, your performance may vary.

Moosehead Solar currently sells wind turbines manufactured from Southwest Wind Power.  They have several classes; The Skystream (shown left), Whisper, Air X and Air Breeze turbines.  The Whisper series 100 and 200 are perfect for the off grid applications.  The Skystream is mainly used for Grid tie systems but can also be used for off grid applications. The Skystream's spec.'s are:

Rated Capacity: 1.8 kW continuous output, 2.6 kW peak
Rotor: 12 feet (3.72 m); 50-325 RPM
Interconnection: Utility connected or battery charging
Alternator: Gearless, permanent magnet brushless
Voltage Output: 240 VAC (Optional 208 VAC)
Estimated Energy Production: 400 KWh per month at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s)
Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg)
Tower: Towers from 34-70 feet (10.4-21.3 m) are available; height is dependent by site
Warranty: Five year limited

Air Breeze Marine and Air X Marine When sailing the world, a wind generator is a critical component for the serious cruiser. Because of its compact size and high output, the AIR is the best solution to your energy needs. Used by thousands, the Air X and Air Breeze marine units have become the most popular small wind turbines on the market today. Today’s sailboats are very sophisticated and packed with power-hungry technology which are vital for a safe cruise. Is the AIR Marine Right For You? The Air X and Air Breeze were specifically designed for the cruiser. It is an easy to install, easy to maintain wind turbine and will provide years of maintenance free service. It is designed for 20-45 ft boats and can be mounted on the stern with an optional tower kit or on a mizzen mast.

This is the vertical wind turbine that we have all been waiting for.
It overcomes the traditional obstacles of conventional wind turbines.

1. It's Quiet - The low rpm operation and it's blade configuration makes it very quiet. No more whoop, whoop, whoop like typical propeller designs.  At its rated wind speed of 26 mph it measures a whispering 38 db. (In most settings, speech levels are between 55 and 66 dBA at conversation distances.)
2. Eddy catches wind from any direction - no need for it to "swing" into the wind.  Therefore it has excellent performance where there are variable winds.
3. Ice & Snow are no problem.  Perfect for our winter weather. Wide range of wind speeds are safely handled.  It starts producing electricity in as little as 7 mph and has a safe maximum wind speed of 120 mph. Sleep without worry no matter what its doing outside.
4. Flexible mounting.  The compact size, 5.3 ft. high by 4.6 ft wide, makes it suitable for pole mounting and even roof top mounting in some locations.      
   

We have installed over 140 remote off grid systems.  I am sure that this turbine will cut down your generator time, especially in the winter months.  I will be installing one in my home this year. With fuel prices constantly going up we need to be able to offset that cost, and I believe this turbine is one way we can do that.