Top Five Micro Wind Turbines – Remix!
5. Kinetic Sculpture: The Art of Micro Wind Power
Though kinetic wind sculpture does not typically involve generating electricity, it still deserves a place in the top five because it hints at the ways in which wind power installations can provide communities with benefits aside from generating clean, low cost energy. For starters, wind-powered sculpture enables communities to engage in a dynamic cultural experience without incurring the ongoing expense of grid-supplied energy. As an inherently outdoor experience, wind sculpture also has a place in recreation and health programs that draw people into parks and other public spaces. The cone-shaped device pictured here is part of a new addition to the striking Meridian Wind Sculpture Walkway in Wellington, New Zealand, which features wind-powered LED lighting along with kinetic features and wind-enabled sound effects. The walkway as a whole was conceived not only for the enjoyment of residents, but as an economic driver and an image booster for the city, as described in its press materials:
“We now have a set of kinetic artworks which is without precedent anywhere on the globe. Individually each is an amazing sculpture to be proud to have in Wellington; collectively we have an asset without peer, providing a stunning entry to the city from the airport, and locking in Wellington’s reputation as the creative art capital.”
How to Research a Good Micro Wind Power Product
Well, that’s our Top Five for 2011. There are many more choices available today than there were just a few years ago, so it’s a lot harder to make a choice, but 
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among the hundreds of wind turbines on the market you can find one that’s right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when researching micro wind power products.
1. Steer clear of the “hucksters and hype.” The website of any reputable wind wind turbine company will include links to help you work through the factors that determine whether or not a micro wind turbine makes sense for your property. Generally speaking these are how to determine the predominant winds in your area, and how to assess whether your project can make it through your local zoning regulations and administrative channels (Consumer Reports, as always, also provides some good tips).
2. Along those lines, be sure to add up the total installed cost of your project, not just the price of the turbine. Some companies put the price of the turbine up front and then you have to add in the cost of the tower along with any other equipment, shipping, and installation expenses.
3. Verify rebates. If the company’s promotional material mentions rebates and other opportunities for saving money in your area, confirm those with your local government (town, county or state) or your utility company.
4. Get to know the company by checking to see how user-friendly their customer service department is. A micro wind turbine is a major investment and if you need an assist after installation, you should be able to get help without wading through cumbersome prompt systems, busy signals or long wait times.
5. Get to know wind power. The American Wind Power Association and the Distributed Wind Energy Association are two trade groups that provide general consumer guidance aside from their main goal of promoting the wind power industry and lobbying for more regulatory support.
Image credit: Kinetic wind sculpture, some rights reserved by bec.
Follow Tina on Twitter: @TinaMCasey.
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