But, Will it Work

for Me?

Question 1:

Will the system be installed at a New York home, business, institution or non-profit facility?

Yes:  Good News!  You are eligible for the NYSERDA rebate program. 

No:  Bad News!  Sorry, the systems must be installed in New Jersey to qualify. 

Question 2:

Do your monthly electric bills average $100 or more ?

Yes:  Good News!  You use enough electricity to be a good candidate for a 10 kW Bergey wind system.

No:  Bad News!  You do not use enough electricity to take advantage of a 10 kW Bergey wind system.  You could investigate switching to all-electric service or you might consider one or more of the new 1 kW BWC XL.1 turbines.  See the 2 kW HomeSure system under Value Packages.  We also expect to have a battery-less GridTek version of this turbine available in late 2003.

Question 3:

Is your property size 1 acre or larger ?

Yes:  Good News!  Your property size is big enough for a 10 kW Bergey wind system.  The wind system is a large structure and it does make some noise.  But, your neighbors are far enough away that it shouldn't impose too much on them.

No:  Bad News!  Your property is not really large enough for a 10 kW Bergey wind system.  The wind system is a large structure and it does make some noise.  Your neighbors are pretty close and it would probably bother some of them.  You might consider one or more of the new 1 kW BWC XL.1 turbines.  See the 2 kW HomeSure system under Value Packages.  We also expect to have a battery-less GridTek version of this turbine available in late 2003.

Question 4:

Using the New York wind map below (please scroll down), is your location shown as Class 2 or higher ?

Yes:  Good News!  Your wind resource is sufficient for a small wind turbine.  But, be sure that your site is not sheltered by nearby hills.  If you are in a good wind area, but your site is sheltered, a small wind system might not be a good investment. 

No:  Less Good News!  The payback period will be longer in lower wind areas.  Please note, however, that even in low wind areas the payback for a small wind system will probably still be better than a solar system.  It could be okay if you are on a hill where the wind is stronger.  There are many, many pockets of good wind resources in Class 1 (under 4.5 m/s) areas - the maps just are not detailed enough to show them.  Use your judgment.  We definitely recommend a tall tower in Class 1 areas.

Can't Tell:  Further Investigation Needed!  In hilly terrain the US-DOE maps are only good for general guidance.  There are "wind channels" in hilly areas and your property may have more or less wind depending on its exposure to these channels.  Try using the more detailed TrueWind map (click here), but remember that they show wind speed at 65 m (213 ft) and they will have to be adjusted down to the 60 - 120 ft height of small wind turbines.  That may take a professional, so we recommend contacting a BWC dealer.

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