Are solar panels the only option for generating your own electricity at home? For a time, the answer was yes, but now you can install your own windmill on your rooftop. Solar panels are useless during periods of low sunlight or at night. A German company called SkyWind Energy has understood this shortcoming and has developed a micro wind turbine, a small windmill that can be installed on your rooftop to generate electricity.
Windmills are typically large and bulky, but a micro wind turbine is so small that it can fit on your rooftop and doesn’t take up much space. It could prove to be a better option than solar panels in areas with strong winds.
The unique feature of this wind turbine is that it generates electricity even when solar panels cannot. Additionally, it can be used even if there’s limited space on the rooftop, as it’s installed high above the rooftop using a pole to maximize wind power.
It’s a lightweight and compact version of a larger windmill that can generate electricity for domestic use. However, unlike larger windmills, it can be installed on rooftops and easily deployed in farms and off-grid locations.
The wind spins this turbine’s tiny aerodynamic blades, cutting through the air. The generator generates electricity. This electricity is connected to the home’s electrical system via an inverter, allowing it to continue generating electricity whether there’s sunshine or not.
Micro wind turbines can be easily installed on rooftops. The turbine is simply secured to the rooftop using clamps and a pole.
The electricity generated by the turbine is then connected directly to the home’s main distribution panel via the inverter.
In the event of a severe storm or overload, this system is protected by a dedicated dump load and controller.
If the wind is good, a single turbine can generate up to 1000 watts (1 kW). If used in areas with significant electricity production, the turbine can generate up to 615 kWh of electricity annually.
The advantage of this technology is that if more power is needed, two or more turbines can be connected together. This increases their power generation capacity.
Solar panels and micro wind turbines have their own advantages and limitations. It’s undeniable that solar panels generate less power at night or in low sunlight and take up a lot of rooftop space.
However, wind turbines also require good wind to generate electricity. In urban areas, the presence of tall buildings nearby can reduce wind flow.
In such a situation, instead of considering it as an alternative to solar panels, it would be better to consider it as a companion to solar panels. Wind turbines will generate electricity at the same time as solar panels, but they can also generate electricity at night or in low sunlight.
To make its micro turbine noise-free, the German company has designed its blades using a special computer. Because of this, it does not make any noise at all.
At the same time, in case of very strong winds or storms, its automatic braking system controls the speed of the blades and keeps the household appliances safe.