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#447732 09/30/12 12:35 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
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I know I've read about this somewhere before, but can't seem to find the string now. If I put up a wind turbine, I believe BEL will NOT buy back any excess energy generated. However, can I tie into the grid, or will I have to use batteries.

Thanks in advance for any expertise out there before I begin this part of the adventure!

Joined: May 2011
Posts: 337
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You will need batteries anyway to store the energy generated by the turbine.

If you hook into the grid you will need a safety transfer switch, so that when the power goes out your turbine isn't sending power down the grid lines and electrocuting BEL workers.

Check with BEL about the excess power buying, the old dial meters would just run backwards when you were pumping excess power into the grid so you would get a discount on your consumption bill is how they used to "buy back" small generating station power.

I don't know if it still works with the new digital meters.

Anyway you will need permits and an electrical engineer if you are going to hook into the grid.

I'm no expert, but know a little from a hobbyist POV.

PM me if you need more info.


Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 254
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Maya House,
Go solar and use wind as a back up only. We do not have enough constant wind to make a turbine worth the expense, especially if you already have BEL. Plus any turbine large enough to generate any kind of wattage will have to be on a 30' pole above the house and tree line to avoid turbulence. They are not silent either. You will need batteries for storage or the power will only be available when it is being actively generated. Storage is always the issue for homes or power plants.
Check with Customs Department about a special duty on solar. When we brought in our turbine and a set of batteries last year, we were told if we had 1 solar panel we could have qualified for a discounted duty on a "solar system".
Our panels, small turbine and 16 dry cell batteries run our entire house. We have no plans to hook up to BEL when they get to our neighborhood.
Good luck!

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Coleen

Beach bum, butterfly stalker, native plant enthusiast.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,563
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Coleen - you are so far ahead of the curce you are speeding down hill. Keep up your good work.
And I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge.


Harriette
Take only pictures leave only bubbles
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Coleen - I'm SO glad I asked, and completely appreciate you taking the time to give such an informed response. I will definitley be looking at copying your model. Would love to be able to meet up sometime in December, if you would be available and wouldn't mine, to dig a little deeper into the specifics before I make the plunge.
Thanks again!!

Joined: May 2011
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I would add that wind turbines in close proximity to bird roosts and flyways have been the cause of some bird mortality. Not saying it should preclude their use, just adding that bit of info into the mix when considering their siting.

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I completely agree, Bear!!

Joined: Oct 2006
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In the 4 years I've had my turbine, I've never seen a dead bird from the spinning blades. Just saying that to add to the mix. Of course my solar panels haven't killed any birds either.

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The only problem with 'seeing' dead birds from turbines, is that they are normally scooped up as food before they're seen by a human.

Here's a great presentation on the Causes for Bird Mortality - http://www.sibleyguides.com/conservation/causes-of-bird-mortality/

Joined: Feb 2009
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Better stop all planes from fly'n too.


Reality is only an illusion that occurs due to a lack of alcohol
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