PROPER LOCATION

STEP 1: Determining your wind resource

There are several ways to ensure you have at least a 10 mph (4.5 m/s) average wind speed.

1. Wind Maps (USA) / Wind Maps (International)
2. Local authorities such as weather stations
3. Checking your surrounding trees for indication strong wind flagging
4. Site assessment and monitoring by professional third parties

STEP 2: Locating the system on your property

The general rule of thumb is to install your Skystream at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding trees or structures in a 250 foot (76 m) radius.

STEP 3: Ensure proper generator height

In most cases, a taller tower will allow you to generate more energy. Taller towers, however, increase the cost of your installation and may not be allowed in some areas. A Skystream 3.7 commonly requires a monopole or guyed tower. Below you’ll find a siting guide and information on the most common tower options.

Monitor Your Skystream With Skyview 2.0 Software

Skyview 2.0 lets you download, graph and export your system's energy production history. Skystream stores daily energy production to an onboard memory chip and has capacity for several years’ worth of data.

Cumulative performance table

Skyview 2.0 displays energy production totals for any selected date range, today's production, daily averages, and total energy produced since installed.

Radio signal strength indicator

To help you find the best location to place your Wireless PC Interface, Skyview 2.0 now provides an indicator that provides instant feedback on radio signal strength.

Carbon footprint information

See how energy from Skystream has offset emissions when compared with coal power. Displays total pounds or kilograms of CO2 offset since installed.

Instant performance display

Skyview 2.0 maintains this popular feature from Skyview 1.x. Instantly watch dials for power and RPM move in response to changing wind conditions.

The Skystream 3.7: Your Everyday Wind Appliance

Think of a Skystream 3.7 as any other household appliance. After your dealer installs it and connects it to your electric meter, you’re done. Nothing changes inside your house.

Your Skystream works in tandem with your electric utility to power your house. When the wind isn’t blowing, the utility supplies your electricity. But when it’s windy out, your Skystream pivots to catch the best wind and provides clean, quiet electricity. When it generates more electricity than you need, your meter can actually spin backwards—which means you’re essentially selling electricity back to the utility.

Installation

The Skystream 3.7^® was designed to be easily installed. Your Skystream dealer can help you with all the details.

1. PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES
2. SITING INFORMATION
3. TOWER OPTIONS

PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES

It’s important to understand what your local government allows and requires. Your Skystream dealer can provide guidance and support while you work with your city or county to get the proper installation permit and with your local utility to connect to the electric grid through your electric meter.

More information on permitting and interconnection:

• Guide: Getting Connected (PDF)
• In the Public Interest - detailed permitting guide for governments (PDF)
• Sample interconnection application (PDF)
• Sample small wind ordinance (MS Word)
• Small Wind & Your Neighborhood Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Small Wind & Birds Fact Sheet (PDF)

Back to top

PROPER LOCATION

STEP 1: Determining your wind resource

There are several ways to ensure you have at least a 10 mph (4.5 m/s) average wind speed.

1. Wind Maps (USA) / Wind Maps (International)
2. Local authorities such as weather stations
3. Checking your surrounding trees for indication strong wind flagging
4. Site assessment and monitoring by professional third parties

STEP 2: Locating the system on your property

The general rule of thumb is to install your Skystream at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding trees or structures in a 250 foot (76 m) radius.

STEP 3: Ensure proper generator height

In most cases, a taller tower will allow you to generate more energy. Taller towers, however, increase the cost of your installation and may not be allowed in some areas. A Skystream 3.7 commonly requires a monopole or guyed tower. Below you’ll find a siting guide and information on the most common tower options.

For more information, read our siting guide.
Guide: Siting Wind Generators (PDF)

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TOWER OPTIONS

Southwest Windpower approves the following towers for use with the Skystream wind generator. The towers below are engineered specifically for use with the Skystream system and ensure safety, longevity and efficiency of your turbine. Southwest Windpower does not recommend third party manufactured towers or mounting systems for the Skystream wind generator. Use of such towers may affect the safety and performance of your system and in some cases may void your warranty. Check with your dealer to ensure they are using Skystream authorized towers listed below.

• Skystream Segmented Tower Manual (PDF)
• Skystream Monopole Tower Foundation Manual (PDF)
• Skystream Monopole Foundation Drawings (PDF)
• Skystream SMarT Foundation™ Instructions & Drawings (PDF)
• 30 ft (9 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 42 ft (13 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 70 ft (21 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)

Tower Load Specifications

• 33’ 6" (10.2 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)
• 45’ (13.7 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)