Hello Craig,
As you said about doing one's homework, there is a lot to learn and weed-out in hunting, and ultimately buying, a wind generator. As I said, I do enjoy wind power, so I'm not putting it down, especially now that DC systems are better and the tower poles can be layed down so maintenance and repairs don't have to be done high in the air. However, the new links you listed are like comparing "Apples to Oranges", not in keeping with average single home wind generators. I ran across an article where 10 small wind generators were tested over the span of ONE year. By year's end, not one was still operating.... I hope you'll list more links when you find ones for small wind.
I had a 1.8 Enertech grid tie-in win-gen back in 1980. They had about the best references and working data around for non DC systems. But, their design of attaching the system to a 50' tall telephone/power pole cause it to fail less than two years later. The three 1" all thread bolts crystalized and snapped, sending the 14ft. rotor system to it's death. My homeowners insurance company sent the bolts to a specialized lab and the lab reported the metal failed due to a term called "Work-Hardening". You could look at the end of the bolts and they looked like old fashion Rhinestone jewelry the sparkled so much. So, I know what living with one is really about, including climbing belts, tightening bolts and gearbox oil changes. Fifty feet looking down is more than fifty feet look up
;>)
All I was pointing out was what you explained, do your homework, Goggle for months, try to balance good and bad reviews, and lay out so you can compare what you've found. I'd also add that a NEARBY home-size wind generator seen in person and that has some true operating history helps an untold amount. To learn what works, what goes wrong, and how the installing vendor handles current and future issues should be the facts that tip the decision to Pro or Con.
The Entertech company went under, but only just in the last few months has it come back to life and under the same name. With newer technology of using a oil based power transfer case instead of the metal gear box, it has good possiblities. So, having a company there to sell a product that is proven with very little maintenance and down town it so very important. More so in these uncertain times, than ever before. The new Enertech company lists a website and says they still sell part to ones like mine. In the last few months, I've written them with model and serial number, to enlist help in getting my system back into the air..for good advertising and Public Relations....BUT NO ANSWER has come.
By the way, I do enjoy, and am thankful, for this forum and all the information and help I've received since the Googling and learning curve with my EPA insert. Please keep it going!
Bill
