Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7 Residential Wind Generator Reviews

Over all I am extremely happy with my Skystream 3.7. I installed it in back in September of last year 2007. Initially I had a problem that arose two months after I installed it. It had a software problem that shut the machine down for over a month and a half, but Southwest Wind Power switched it out with a new Skystream turbine and it has been running great ever since.

I installed the Skystream myself and it was relatively easy. Although if you don't have an over all knowledge of wiring and access to heavy equipment for moving and erecting the tower and installing the foundation I would advise having the dealer install it.

The complete installation of the system on a 45' monopole tower cost me about $13,500. My average monthly wind speed is 10-12.5 miles per hour and I produce about 200-300 kWh a month with the turbine, which is around 1/3 of my normal electrical usage. I'm planning on installing geothermal heating and cooling system this summer and with them working together I should make back my money on both systems in 7-8 years. Most likely less at the current increasing rates for petroleum products and with the future adjustment of electrical rates this fall.

My biggest advice to anyone who is looking into installing a Skystream at their home is be realistic and understand the numbers. When you look at wind charts and it says that in your area the average wind speed is 11.5 mph and the Skystream output chart puts monthly production at 300-400 kwh a month, you need to understand that this is really the amount you are likely to produce each month. I've had people say to me that they looked at the charts and it says they only get 10 mph winds, but they know they get 20-25 mph winds during the month. The key to this is "average" winds. The charts show the over all average. So don't mislead yourself into thinking that you can expect more output than what the charts say, these highs and lows are already taken into account. Now some months will be better than others, but when you look at it over the entire year this should be very close. Your best bet to really know what to expect is to gauge the wind on your site ahead of time with an anemometer, but in my case I just went off the charts and they have been right on the money with what I'm producing.

Also check around your area for others who have wind turbines and see what they are producing and I you do decide to buy a turbine make sure to check closely with your zoning commission, neighbors and utility to make sure there are no unexpected obstacle that will try to stop you from installing it.

When you do install your Skystream your best bet for a guaranteed production record is to install a dedicated Kilowatt-Hour Meter between the 30 amp disconnect switch and the 20 amp breaker for the Skystream in your service panel. I wouldn't recommend the current wireless remote and data logger. I personally had no luck with this piece of equipment and a lot of others I spoke to have had nothing but connection problems. So even if you decide to go with the remote you would be best served to spend the $100 extra and install a dedicated meter as well.

If you have any other questions about the Skystream or would like to discuss possible issues with other owners check out Keep Turning.com - http://www.keepturning.com

We installled Sparky in January and love the job he is doing. Southwest makes good equipment and their dealers seem to be easy to work with on the installs. We are even considering buying a second. Watch out for the price of the pole, anchors, concrete, and wiring - that will add another $5k to your investment. HINT: Forego the handheld meter from Southwest and buy a wall mounted meter from an electric supply store instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm using this turbine for a research project, and have been testing and tinkering with it. The company did a great job designing this turbine. There aren't any flaws in the design. Its a good value for all the features built into it.

 People please check out the link below before you purchase from SWWP. http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=4981  Research every renewable energy product you buy. Make sure you look in the groups and forum pages. The SWWP wind turbines are now being made in CHINA after the goverment gave them stimulus money, feels kind of like a slap in the face.

Since 05/2009 Sky Stream 3.7 has produced about 2800 kWh in an area rated 10-12 Mph wind.

 

Factory and Dealer support is slow at best.

 

 

 

 
 

I purchased twoSkystream  3.7 units with 33' mono pole 14 months ago. I had the company I purchased them from do all installation. I complained after six months that my electric bill had increased not decreased. They put a seperate meter at the two towers and in 9 months they have produced 1800 kwh of electricity., not enough two run a cabin must less a house. At the rate there producing God want live long enough to recoup $26,000.00.

The dealer installed the Skystream 3.7 on a 50' pole. I could not bring it on-line after installation. SWWP told me it was my computers problem...

I complained about poor KWh output with in 6 month.

Utility provider has problems adjusting the power in reference to the Turbine.

Had my own meter installed.

Poor customer service from SWWP.

10.1020 continued to complain to the point that on 06.04.2010 a new Turbine was installed, Again not able to monitor the Turbine on the computer; the dealer tried to bring it on-line repeatedly, no luck it took two weeks for a new radio. Again no luck to monitor the Turbine. Some thing else has to be shipped. That was two weeks ago...

 

My meter tells me the new Turbine produced 44 KWh at average 8 MPH Wind speed. The utility meter did not record the 15 KWh I received credit for from my billing company. But the utility meter in this part of Texas is never wrong!

 

Sitter baby

I will have to admit that I was horrible disappointed in the talk about the Skysteam.  I was hoping to build a new house in the next two years with the best green energy ideas as I could find or afford.  Then, I was given new hope when I saw a recent Popular Mechanics magazine in a doctors office.  They wrote a decent piece on the new wind turbine by Honeywell.  The design technology sounds really sound to me.  I cannot wait to see how this thing really performs in the real world market. 
check it out:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4324331.html?page=6
or at
http://www.earthtronics.com/honeywell.aspx

I really love my Skystream! I love it so much I have started my own business to help my neighbors purchase and install their own Skystream. I think there should be one per home!