We understand that some manufacturer's shrewd omission of this detail can be misleading. We also believe that it serves to weaken the reputation of trustworthy turbine providers.
At Strand, we built the Strand Slowjammer, a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) rated for slower winds, to harvest power from 15-18 mph winds which are more common in many areas. We are confident you will enjoy a minimum capacity factor of 30% or more when our turbine is placed in the appropriate location.
For more information on the Horizontal Axis vs the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, read this paper written by Terrence C. Sankar of Robert Morris University.
TIP: Have the wind speed tested in the exact location you want to place your turbine - the wind may be faster, or slower, than you expect and will dictate the "payback" time you can expect from your purchase. First, identify the average wind speed in your location at this link. You can buy an anemometer to measure the wind speed and determine the wind velocity in your area or click here to book an appointment with a Strand Wind Assessor.
TIP: Ignore the nameplate power output written in big numbers for you to see - check the smaller print identifying the capacity factor to see how much power you can expect and at what wind speed.
FACT: A 5 kilowatt Strand Slowjammer built for slow winds, blowing at 18 mph, will produce twice as much electricity per year as a 5 kilowatt HAWT that is rated at full output in a 30 mph wind. Click here to see the actual power comparison output of the Strand Slowjammer to a horizontal axis turbine that is rated at full capacity in a 30mph wind.
