The Whisper 200 provides dependable energy for remote homes, telecommunications sites and rural applications in moderate to extreme environments. Assuming a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) average wind, a Whisper 200 will produce 200 kWh per month.

SmartWind offers the Skystream wind turbine. Developed by Southwest Windpower in collaboration with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab, the Skystream has unique curved blades for quiet operation. It is the first backyard-sized wind turbine that includes a built-in inverter and requires no external components. Depending on the wind resource, Skystream generates between 30-80% of the power required by a typical home. Download spec sheet.

Types of Towers
The two most common types of towers are guyed and monopole. Both are available in various designs. Some can be tilted-down for
easy access while others require a crane for installation and service (see diagram at right, bottom).

Guyed towers are less expensive than monopole towers. However, because the guy radius must be one-half to three-quarters of the tower height, guyed towers require enough space to accommodate them.

Monopole towers are more expensive but they offer the consumer an easy way to perform maintenance. Monopole towers can be
lowered to the ground during hazardous weather such as hurricanes (see diagram on next page). Aluminum towers are prone to cracking
and should be avoided.

The ideal position for a wind generator is a flat open space with good wind from at least one direction (known as the prevailing wind
direction), a coastline, or a smooth hill top with an open area in the prevailing wind. The wind speeds up significantly near the top of
the hill and the air flow should be reasonably smooth and free from excessive turbulence.
Excessive turbulence or “bad wind” causes fatigue damage and shortens a generator’s working life. When siting, keep away from local
obstructions such as large trees and houses, or use a taller tower to ensure that the generator is well above the obstructions. Wind
speed also increases with height so it is best to have the generator as high as your zoning laws and investment payback will allow. It is
recommended to site you generator at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding obstacles such as trees or buildings in a 250 foot (76
m) radius (see general siting image above).

Wind generators are an effective source of renewable energy in many areas across the world. The American Wind Energy
Association estimates there are as many as 13 million homes in the United States with a viable wind resource.
To make sure a small wind system is right for you, there are things to consider:

• You have at least 10 MPH (4.5 m/s) average wind speed. Best results at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s) or more.
• Your property is unobstructed from tall buildings and trees. Ideally, you should have .5 acres or more
• The local zoning allows a structure that is at least 42 feet
• Your local utility has an existing interconnection agreement

Once you have determined you have the right conditions for a wind system, you will need to consider the best place on your property.
Proper siting is critical to the performance and longevity of your investment. It can make the difference between years of trouble free
operation or continuous frustration. Call SmartWind at 434-361-2525 to discuss.

On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009 into law. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 tax credit, by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to take a 30% tax credit off the installed cost of a wind turbine. To a consumer or business purchasing a single 2.4KW residential wind turbine, it will double their credit. Additionally, businesses will also have the option of receiving their credit in the form of a cash grant.

Q: What does the stimulus package mean to me?
A: The entire cost of a wind turbine system by SmartWind (plus installation) is reduced by 30 percent provided you have a tax liability over the course of two years. Depending on where you live, you could save even more! States have also implemented rebates for small wind systems which can be used in addition to the Federal credit. Furthermore, in the last two months alone, more than 30 States have introduced legislation that either expands incentives for renewable energy and/or addresses market barriers.

Q: How does a tax credit work?
A: Typically, a tax credit is money that you can deduct from any money owed to the federal government at tax time (tax liability). The small wind tax credit can be carried over two years after the product is installed. For more information on how to take advantage of the credit, we suggest that you speak to a tax specialist.

Q: I don’t normally owe taxes – how can I claim the credit?
A: You can only claim the credit based on what you would owe in taxes (your tax liability after two years.) If you do not normally receive a refund, you may want to consult with a tax attorney to understand better what opportunities are available to you.

Q: How do I claim the credit?
A: You will be required to file the long form and itemize your deductions. The IRS form 5695 must be completed and filed with your taxes. The current form does not reflect the changes to the most recent legislation.

Q: Can someone who already owned a Skystream claim the tax credit?
A: If you purchased a Skystream in 2008, you qualify for the federal-level tax credit, passed as part of the October 2008 bailout legislation, up to $2,400 per wind turbine with a cap of $4000. If you purchased a Skystream in 2008 but your dealer did not install it until 2009, ask your dealer to write a letter indicating that the wind turbine was not “commissioned” became operational 2009, you would qualify for the 30 percent tax incentive in your 2009 filing but could not take it off your 2008 taxes. Download 2008 Tax Form 5695

Q: What if I want to purchase and install more than one unit?
A: The stimulus package allows for a 30 percent tax credit on the total cost of multiple units. There is no cap on the 30 percent tax credit. Businesses may qualify for a grant from the treasury in lieu of a tax credit.

Q: I heard I can get cash back rather than a tax credit – how does that work?
A: Businesses can apply for a grant from the US treasury and rather than a tax credit, receive a cash grant. The details are still being worked out but should be in place by April or May. Keep in touch with your dealer or the manufacturer for more information.

Q: Does this work for all small wind systems, even Whisper and Air Breeze?
A: Yes. The incentive is available to all users of small wind systems.