6-Month Mark

The turbine has been operational for 6 months and we have made multiple observations. These may be just for our site, or true for all types of turbines this size, we can't be sure. Nevertheless, they include:

• The most powerful winds come from the south.
• The turbine can produce energy at winds between 4-5 mph so long as the blades are in the correct position.
• Most of our wind comes from the west or south.
• When the wind shifts, it does take at least 8-10mph sustained wind to turn the blades into the proper position.
• When the wind comes from the North or East, the turbine needs a gust to turn into the position.
• Our highest wind gust was 63 mph. Over the past 6-months, the turbine has had about 5 safety shutdowns (RPM>450). Each time it re-started and operated normally.
• Many times when the wind comes from the North, it shifts back and forth from NE to NW. This does affect the blades shifting into position which then causes less production.
• Except for a period in September, the turbine has been producing every week even with small wind amounts.
• The wind does tend to decrease quickly once the sun goes down. However, it will go 24 hours plus if heavy wind is present.
• Spring produced much more wind than summer 310KwH vs 176 KwH.
• When it rains, wind may or may not be present. Not all rain showers include wind.
• No impact on any type of wildlife has been seen. Plus, all grass around the base has returned to pre-installation condition.

As we start the fall and winter seasons, more observations will be made and we will include these into future postings.