Control Alt Energy, LLC - Skystream 3.7 Information.

Helping You Control Alternative Energy!

A revolutionary residential power

appliance for utility-connected homes.

• Quiet operation

• Blends into the environment

• Designed for long life

• Low cost of energy

• Rated at 2.4 kW

Why Install a Residential Wind Generator?

In simple terms - because it will reduce your electric bill by producing clean renewable energy.

When the wind is blowing and you are generating more electricity than you are currently using

your electric meter will spin backwards crediting you for the electricity generated (this is referred to as Net Metering).

PPL Net Metering Tariff Interconnection agreement can be downloaded here

How much electricity will a Skystream 3.7 produce?

According to the manufacturer, on average a Skystream 3.7 produces around 400 KWH per month depending on the Wind Resource and Tower Height.

For the typical home owner, this equates to a reduction in your utility bill of between 30% and 60%.

How can I tell if my project location is capable of good wind energy performance?

If you are wondering if your site is capable of good wind energy performance, my advice would be to consider purchasing and installing a WIND DATA LOGGING SYSTEM.

This is the best method for determining the wind resource available at your location.

You can observe your average wind speed over time and see if wind power would be a good fit at your project location before you make a large investment in a wind power system.

One supplier of measuring tools is inspeed, for a nominal fee Control Alt Energy will help you site and setup a data logger.

I don't want to take the time or bother of data logging.

I can assure you, your Skystream will generate electricity, the question is more a matter of personal choice in how quickly one requires a return on their investment.

What else can I do to evaluate the available wind at my project location?

Southwest Windpower the manufacturer of the Skystream has created "My Wind Speed".

It lets you check your wind online. It's simple to use. And it's powered by 3TIER, provider of the most accurate, scientifically derived wind resource data available.

My Wind Speed.

Other sources include: AWS Truewind and the Us Department of Energy's Wind Powering America website.

Can you tell me what's involved with installing a turbine?

Rather than try to explain it, we put together a video montage of photo's from a recent project we completed.

This project utilized a Smart Foundation kit, a 45' tilt-up sectional monopole tower, and a Skystream 3.7.

Incentives

March 12, 2009

More on the American Recovery and Re-investment Act
(2009 Stimulus Package)

Download information sheet (PDF)
Where to Buy

Home wind power now more affordable
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 small wind tax credit by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to deduct from their tax liability 30% off the installed cost of a wind turbine. Additionally, businesses will have the option of receiving their credit in the form of a cash grant.

Background
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 small wind tax credit by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to deduct from their tax liability 30% off the installed cost of a wind turbine. Additionally, businesses will have the option of receiving their credit in the form of a cash grant.

Q: What does this mean to me?
A: The entire cost of a Skystream system (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. Learn more at http://www.skystreamenergy.com/incentives.

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 specilalist 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” in 2008 and became operational 2009. You would qualify for the 30 percent tax incentive in your 2009 filing.

Q: What if I want to purchase and install more than one Skystream?
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 US 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.

Download information sheet (PDF)

Financing your Project

Pennsylvania homeowners can improve the energy efficiency of their homes with special financing and rebates for high efficiency heating, air conditioning, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and “whole house” improvements using Home Performance with Energy Star. Principally supported by the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Keystone HELP® program helps make affordable energy efficiency available to all Pennsylvanians. Keystone HELP is administered by AFC First Financial Corporation, a Pennsylvania energy efficiency lender.

Other issues concerns

Despite tens of thousands of installations, there still exists a lot of confusion and misinformation about small wind systems especially when you get to the local and county zoning level.

I strongly encourage everyone to get involved with their local planning board by attending meetings and voicing your support for the right to generate your own clean renewable electricity from the wind.

The American Wind Energy Association has a great document for local governments wrestling with enacting or adopting appropriate wind ordinances.

Still have questions?

Ready to start saving money now?