The Honeywell Home Wind Turbine

I thought this was a neat idea and if the manufacturer’s claims are true, it could be the first step towards individual energy independance for a lot of people. Honeywell, the same people who made my safe, teamed up with Earthtronics to produce a home wind turbine that lacks many of the drawbacks of larger wind turbines. Namely, all it takes is a gentle breeze to turn the blades, providing up to 2,000 kWh of energy annually.

It is a compact and neat idea. My only question is, does it actually work?

The Honeywell home wind turbine does away with the traditional gearing found in larger turbines, allowing it to spin easier. According to the Earthtronics website, a typical wind turbine requires 7.5 mph of windspeed to turn the blades because of the grinding resistance of the gears. One of the biggest drawbacks is that the wind don’t always blow that fast. Sometimes it doesn’t blow at all

The Honeywell system needs just a whisper of wind at 2mph to turn however, because it does away with the gearing entirely. The system generates power at the tips of the blades rather than the gears, and is good for winds up to 45 mph. Earthtonics claims standard wind turbines shut down at 29 mph to protect the gearing. The Honeywell system is also compact (just 6 ft across) and weighing in at just 90lbs, can be installed on virtually any roof.

They video and website claim different energy levels, so I will present you with both of them. The website says the wind turbine can produce around 2000 kWh of energy a year, while the video claims 1580 kWh annually. Considering the average house sucks down around 11,000 kWh a year, the turbine system provides a good chunk of energy annually. It will even be sold at local Ace Hardware stores, so you don’t need to go to some off-beat hippie hut to by one and lose face with your friends.

According to the data I found, an average home spends around $1,034 a year on energy in the home, so if this system was taking a 15% bite out of energy consumption the annual savings would be somewhere in the $100-150 a year range. There are plenty of tips and tricks out in the interweb that allow you to save energy and lower your annual consumption (Energy Star products, eco-friendly light bulbs, proper climate control management) so this system could account for more, or less, of your energy consumption.

I haven’t seen one of these in action and I only just heard about it today. But, if it does work, it is a step in the right direction. But it isn’t cheap, coming in at $4,500 for the turbine, inverter, and connectors to hook up to your house. Drop the price $1,500 though, and I think a lot more people might be interested. To be fair, there is a list of gov’ment incentives on a state-by-state basis as well, so the actual cost could be much lower, depending on whether it is a residential or commercial use. I think there is a property tax exemption for homes and businesses using renewable energy in Connecticut, but my legalese is rusty…

So, would you pay $4,500 for a home wind turbine system for a 15% decrease in your energy bills? If not, how low would the price have to be?

Source: Honeywell/Earthtronics via Greentechnolog

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Tags: Alternative Energy, blade, consumption, earthtronics, honeywell, household, savings, tips, turbine, Wind

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

Don_brasco

Well, I’m good for over 2400 in electric a year. So 15% of that would be 360 in savings. So the math right now does not add up , it will take me over 9 years to make my money back with the current price.

If we can get this price down to 3000 or less then it would make sense.

I wonder if you can use this in conjunction with solar panels?

In any event I think we are off to a good start and only seeing better things coming out in the next couple of years. We may actually have the ability to be grid independant for the masses in the next 10 years.
Don_brasco

Well, I’m good for over 2400 in electric a year. So 15% of that would be 360 in savings. So the math right now does not add up , it will take me over 9 years to make my money back with the current price.

If we can get this price down to 3000 or less then it would make sense.

I wonder if you can use this in conjunction with solar panels?

In any event I think we are off to a good start and only seeing better things coming out in the next couple of years. We may actually have the ability to be grid independant for the masses in the next 10 years.
Don_brasco

Well, I’m good for over 2400 in electric a year. So 15% of that would be 360 in savings. So the math right now does not add up , it will take me over 9 years to make my money back with the current price.

If we can get this price down to 3000 or less then it would make sense.

I wonder if you can use this in conjunction with solar panels?

In any event I think we are off to a good start and only seeing better things coming out in the next couple of years. We may actually have the ability to be grid independant for the masses in the next 10 years.
EcoGeek

I’d definitely consider one. I really hope this thing will work and the price will come down. I assume that the $4500 is an early adopter penalty price (and designed to give the company the tax incentive monies) and with economies of scale it will ramp up to be less expensive.
EcoGeek

I’d definitely consider one. I really hope this thing will work and the price will come down. I assume that the $4500 is an early adopter penalty price (and designed to give the company the tax incentive monies) and with economies of scale it will ramp up to be less expensive.
EcoGeek

I poked around about other factors: ice, too high winds, solar and found their FAQ:

http://www.earthtronics.com/pdf/FAQ-rev-4.pdf

That answered those questions. And yes, you can hook up multiple turbines AND solar to the same inverter panel.
EcoGeek

I poked around about other factors: ice, too high winds, solar and found their FAQ:

http://www.earthtronics.com/pdf/FAQ-rev-4.pdf

That answered those questions. And yes, you can hook up multiple turbines AND solar to the same inverter panel.
EcoGeek

I poked around about other factors: ice, too high winds, solar and found their FAQ:

http://www.earthtronics.com/pdf/FAQ-rev-4.pdf

That answered those questions. And yes, you can hook up multiple turbines AND solar to the same inverter panel.
Don_brasco

Thanks, EcoGeek.
Don_brasco

Thanks, EcoGeek.
Don_brasco

Thanks, EcoGeek.
http://windenergy7.com/ Small Wind Turbine

WindEnergy7.com already has beaten these guys to the market and I have a system already. For the same money you can get a system that has solar panels with it as a wind/solar hybrid system.

WindEnergy7 turbine is roof mount, modular, hybrid, and leverages more proven turbine technology, like using stainless steel parts instead of plastic etc. Also, these guys conceal the whole mounting problem of roof mounted turbines, that’s main reason I was into WindEnergy7 is that they solved the problems of vibration and noise and they invented and filed patent pending on the mounting apparatus and method. If anyone is serious about this technology they should look at the WindEnergy7 hybrid wind/solar kits for the home. Mine works very well and I am pleased with it. Fred.
- http://Web aerte94
  
  Fred
  Have you figured any of the cost reductions in your electric bill? I would be interested in knowing what you might be getting out of the Windenergy7 units. How many turbines do you have. Looking forward to hearing from you.
http://windenergy7.com/ Small Wind Turbine

WindEnergy7.com already has beaten these guys to the market and I have a system already. For the same money you can get a system that has solar panels with it as a wind/solar hybrid system.

WindEnergy7 turbine is roof mount, modular, hybrid, and leverages more proven turbine technology, like using stainless steel parts instead of plastic etc. Also, these guys conceal the whole mounting problem of roof mounted turbines, that’s main reason I was into WindEnergy7 is that they solved the problems of vibration and noise and they invented and filed patent pending on the mounting apparatus and method. If anyone is serious about this technology they should look at the WindEnergy7 hybrid wind/solar kits for the home. Mine works very well and I am pleased with it. Fred.
russ

I love the comments – unthinking and with no research at all apparently. This thing has been reviewed many times the past month on different sites.

Please look at the site and learn about wind turbines. This is a bad joke as far as power generation and value for money go.

At 1500 USD it would be very, very expensive and still useless.

It provides UP TO 2000 kW year. The 1580 Kw production is at storm wind speeds which probably no place sees.
russ

I love the comments – unthinking and with no research at all apparently. This thing has been reviewed many times the past month on different sites.

Please look at the site and learn about wind turbines. This is a bad joke as far as power generation and value for money go.

At 1500 USD it would be very, very expensive and still useless.

It provides UP TO 2000 kW year. The 1580 Kw production is at storm wind speeds which probably no place sees.
russ

I love the comments – unthinking and with no research at all apparently. This thing has been reviewed many times the past month on different sites.

Please look at the site and learn about wind turbines. This is a bad joke as far as power generation and value for money go.

At 1500 USD it would be very, very expensive and still useless.

It provides UP TO 2000 kW year. The 1580 Kw production is at storm wind speeds which probably no place sees.
CRM

I hate it when the wind “don’t blow fast”.
CRM

I hate it when the wind “don’t blow fast”.
CRM

I hate it when the wind “don’t blow fast”.
Christopher DeMorro

Links please? This unit doesn’t go on sale until the fall so I don’t know who has reviewed this or how they could have had it for very long.

I admit, yes, it is expensive and it isn’t going to solve all your energy needs overnight. But it is a step in the right direction I suppose.

No need to be all negative about it.
EcoGeek

russ:

The company provides how they calculated the power generation:

http://www.earthtronics.com/pdf/Energy-Generation-Information-4.pdf

It’s not calculated as a windstorm all year….if it were, the power generation would be much greater. The power is calculated by average winds and the average amount of time they blow that way. So, statistically speaking, you should get up to 2000 kW/year….like mpg’s, results may vary.
EcoGeek

russ:

The company provides how they calculated the power generation:

http://www.earthtronics.com/pdf/Energy-Generation-Information-4.pdf

It’s not calculated as a windstorm all year….if it were, the power generation would be much greater. The power is calculated by average winds and the average amount of time they blow that way. So, statistically speaking, you should get up to 2000 kW/year….like mpg’s, results may vary.
MD

Nice, someone ripped off Ted Baer’s Bicycle Wheel Windmill idea from instructables, changed it up a bit, and now they want to charge beau coup bucks for it…

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ted-Baer_s-Bicycle-Wheel-Windmill/

Build your own at the link above:
MD

Nice, someone ripped off Ted Baer’s Bicycle Wheel Windmill idea from instructables, changed it up a bit, and now they want to charge beau coup bucks for it…

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ted-Baer_s-Bicycle-Wheel-Windmill/

Build your own at the link above:
Christopher DeMorro

Windmills have been around for centuries. Sorry folks, no one ripped off anyone…it just makes sense to try and get electricity from it.

Also this bicycle wheel wind mill makes 2 amps of power at 12 mph wind conditions. That doesn’t seem very good at all.

Well, maybe good for the third world. But I don’t think that is even enough energy to run my XboX, never mind my flat screen.
http://www.purepointenergy.com Tom Wemyss

As a small wind energy installer, I’ve taken a look at a fair amount of residential wind turbines. I generally don’t recommend attaching turbines to a home primarily due to vibration issues and the turbulence from the roof.

This turbine seams to be interesting to me in the following circumstances:

*If you are in an area with an average wind speed of 13 mph +

*There are significant state incentives available to this turbine

*There are no obstructions near by (Trees).

*You want to get started with wind energy with a small initial investment.
http://www.purepointenergy.com Tom Wemyss

As a small wind energy installer, I’ve taken a look at a fair amount of residential wind turbines. I generally don’t recommend attaching turbines to a home primarily due to vibration issues and the turbulence from the roof.

This turbine seams to be interesting to me in the following circumstances:

*If you are in an area with an average wind speed of 13 mph +

*There are significant state incentives available to this turbine

*There are no obstructions near by (Trees).

*You want to get started with wind energy with a small initial investment.
http://www.purepointenergy.com Tom Wemyss

As a small wind energy installer, I’ve taken a look at a fair amount of residential wind turbines. I generally don’t recommend attaching turbines to a home primarily due to vibration issues and the turbulence from the roof.

This turbine seams to be interesting to me in the following circumstances:

*If you are in an area with an average wind speed of 13 mph +

*There are significant state incentives available to this turbine

*There are no obstructions near by (Trees).

*You want to get started with wind energy with a small initial investment.
Don Steinke

If you put $4500 into a savings account, the interest at 2% will be $90 per year.

If you put $4500 into the wind mill you might save $120 per year in energy costs. Furthermore, the savings will increase as the rates go up.

This looks attractive.

To save the most electricity for the least investment, use wooden clothes drying racks. Buy three of them for $15.00 each and save $140 per year on your energy bills.

This is the most cost effective form of energy.
Don Steinke

If you put $4500 into a savings account, the interest at 2% will be $90 per year.

If you put $4500 into the wind mill you might save $120 per year in energy costs. Furthermore, the savings will increase as the rates go up.

This looks attractive.

To save the most electricity for the least investment, use wooden clothes drying racks. Buy three of them for $15.00 each and save $140 per year on your energy bills.

This is the most cost effective form of energy.
Don Steinke

If you put $4500 into a savings account, the interest at 2% will be $90 per year.

If you put $4500 into the wind mill you might save $120 per year in energy costs. Furthermore, the savings will increase as the rates go up.

This looks attractive.

To save the most electricity for the least investment, use wooden clothes drying racks. Buy three of them for $15.00 each and save $140 per year on your energy bills.

This is the most cost effective form of energy.
MD

I have clothes drying racks, the help remove CO2 from the atmosphere too!

They’re called trees, don’t cost me anything!

Sorry, they don’t power an Xbox… I know that is a huge “Green” criteria these days.
MD

I have clothes drying racks, the help remove CO2 from the atmosphere too!

They’re called trees, don’t cost me anything!

Sorry, they don’t power an Xbox… I know that is a huge “Green” criteria these days.
MD

I have clothes drying racks, the help remove CO2 from the atmosphere too!

They’re called trees, don’t cost me anything!

Sorry, they don’t power an Xbox… I know that is a huge “Green” criteria these days.
http://www.alternative-heating-info.com Sam Streubel

1. Honeywell claims in their literature that “Class 4 winds represent the majority of North America.” A quick look at this wind resourcemap will tell you differently:

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_maps.asp

2. The wind speed readings on this, and most other wind speed charts, were taken at an altitude of 50 meters which isn’t relevant to roof top installations.

3. At 15-18 feet (the height of a typical one story house) you would be hard pressed to encounter mean, average, or any other measurable wind speeds greater than 12 mph.

4. At 12 mph, a 5.7 foot prop (the diameter of the Honeywell) would generate approximately 67 kWh of electricity per month.

5. This would translate to an estimated annual savings of $96 at $0.12/kWh.

6. Payback: $4,500 – $1,350 (30% tax credit) = $3,150. $3,150/$96 = 32 years.

On the plus side: Over the 20 year useful life of this turbine, the cost per kWh would average out to around $0.20 which isn’t bad in the world of alternative energy systems.

This amount would further be reduced by an additional 20-25% depending on your state’s energy rebate policy and, of course, the payback period would be reduced by the same percentage.

Assuming an additional $1,000 for installation, I estimate the installed cost per watt to be slightly under $7 which is a buck less per watt than the average cost for solar.
http://www.alternative-heating-info.com Sam Streubel

1. Honeywell claims in their literature that “Class 4 winds represent the majority of North America.” A quick look at this wind resourcemap will tell you differently:

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_maps.asp

2. The wind speed readings on this, and most other wind speed charts, were taken at an altitude of 50 meters which isn’t relevant to roof top installations.

3. At 15-18 feet (the height of a typical one story house) you would be hard pressed to encounter mean, average, or any other measurable wind speeds greater than 12 mph.

4. At 12 mph, a 5.7 foot prop (the diameter of the Honeywell) would generate approximately 67 kWh of electricity per month.

5. This would translate to an estimated annual savings of $96 at $0.12/kWh.

6. Payback: $4,500 – $1,350 (30% tax credit) = $3,150. $3,150/$96 = 32 years.

On the plus side: Over the 20 year useful life of this turbine, the cost per kWh would average out to around $0.20 which isn’t bad in the world of alternative energy systems.

This amount would further be reduced by an additional 20-25% depending on your state’s energy rebate policy and, of course, the payback period would be reduced by the same percentage.

Assuming an additional $1,000 for installation, I estimate the installed cost per watt to be slightly under $7 which is a buck less per watt than the average cost for solar.
http://www.alternative-heating-info.com Sam Streubel

1. Honeywell claims in their literature that “Class 4 winds represent the majority of North America.” A quick look at this wind resourcemap will tell you differently:

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_maps.asp

2. The wind speed readings on this, and most other wind speed charts, were taken at an altitude of 50 meters which isn’t relevant to roof top installations.

3. At 15-18 feet (the height of a typical one story house) you would be hard pressed to encounter mean, average, or any other measurable wind speeds greater than 12 mph.

4. At 12 mph, a 5.7 foot prop (the diameter of the Honeywell) would generate approximately 67 kWh of electricity per month.

5. This would translate to an estimated annual savings of $96 at $0.12/kWh.

6. Payback: $4,500 – $1,350 (30% tax credit) = $3,150. $3,150/$96 = 32 years.

On the plus side: Over the 20 year useful life of this turbine, the cost per kWh would average out to around $0.20 which isn’t bad in the world of alternative energy systems.

This amount would further be reduced by an additional 20-25% depending on your state’s energy rebate policy and, of course, the payback period would be reduced by the same percentage.

Assuming an additional $1,000 for installation, I estimate the installed cost per watt to be slightly under $7 which is a buck less per watt than the average cost for solar.
http://gasH2O Chris Bonafield

At $4500 it would take 30 years to pay off at $150/month. Nice idea, but not worth the investment.
Stephen

I think you get a good tax credit for installing one of these which would bring the price down.
Stephen

I think you get a good tax credit for installing one of these which would bring the price down.
http://application-scholarship.blogspot.com Tamont

Your site contain a many useful information. I look for a lot of this experience. Thanks!
http://application-scholarship.blogspot.com Tamont

Your site contain a many useful information. I look for a lot of this experience. Thanks!
http://application-scholarship.blogspot.com Tamont

Your site contain a many useful information. I look for a lot of this experience. Thanks!
John Sharp

I think that about 1,500 would be the price point before they sell widely. Based on a yearly usage cost of 1,500 the savings of 150 per year would make a ten year payback timeframe. If there are incentives I believe that this would be palatable for a lot of people. Without incentives I think the price need to be under 1,000.
John Sharp

I think that about 1,500 would be the price point before they sell widely. Based on a yearly usage cost of 1,500 the savings of 150 per year would make a ten year payback timeframe. If there are incentives I believe that this would be palatable for a lot of people. Without incentives I think the price need to be under 1,000.
John Sharp

I think that about 1,500 would be the price point before they sell widely. Based on a yearly usage cost of 1,500 the savings of 150 per year would make a ten year payback timeframe. If there are incentives I believe that this would be palatable for a lot of people. Without incentives I think the price need to be under 1,000.
Josh

Why do wind turbines have to shut down at “X” speed can’t they just produce me power the faster the go?
- Michael Andrew Broughton
  
  the generator will burn out or the turbine will tear itself apart.
Josh

Why do wind turbines have to shut down at “X” speed can’t they just produce me power the faster the go?
Josh

Why do wind turbines have to shut down at “X” speed can’t they just produce me power the faster the go?
Urb

A couple of things that normally don’t get taken into account when you add up costs are as follows:

1. It reduces your reliance on the grid. If there is a blackout you might still have some power.

2. The cost of energy is never fixed. The cost avoidance could add up more quickly when utility rates go up.

3. It may drop you into a lower rate usagage plan because the power companies have to buy back the excess.
Urb

A couple of things that normally don’t get taken into account when you add up costs are as follows:

1. It reduces your reliance on the grid. If there is a blackout you might still have some power.

2. The cost of energy is never fixed. The cost avoidance could add up more quickly when utility rates go up.

3. It may drop you into a lower rate usagage plan because the power companies have to buy back the excess.
http://windenergy7.com/ Small Wind Turbine

WindEnergy7 already has these on roofs everywhere except they have a proven system that has all the hardware with solar hybrid charging for same money, more advanced proven system. Small Wind Turbine Go to their site and see the many videos of their working systems. Much more serious than these doctored photographs of earthtronics.
http://windenergy7.com/ Small Wind Turbine

WindEnergy7 already has these on roofs everywhere except they have a proven system that has all the hardware with solar hybrid charging for same money, more advanced proven system. Small Wind Turbine Go to their site and see the many videos of their working systems. Much more serious than these doctored photographs of earthtronics.
http://windenergy7.com/ Small Wind Turbine

WindEnergy7 already has these on roofs everywhere except they have a proven system that has all the hardware with solar hybrid charging for same money, more advanced proven system. Small Wind Turbine Go to their site and see the many videos of their working systems. Much more serious than these doctored photographs of earthtronics.
Gary M – Ohio

Yhe problem I see is this product does not allow you to send excess electricity to the power grid and get paid for it. Instead, it turns execess generated electricity into heat via an electronic heat sink What a waste! If you are not home during the day and have a good source of wind like I do, the unit will run all day and its only product will be outside heat. With good winds most nights and low electricity usage to run a few clocks and night lights, most generated electricity would be turned into electronic heat.

Another flaw is the restriction of not generating more electricity when winds exceed 43 MPH. I have 60+ MPH winds for several days per year in spring and fall. The unit should be designed with no generation restrictions so I can maximize output to the grid and light up the entire neighborhood with my excess power.

If the unit could send excess capacity into the grid, with all the wind I have all year round, the utility company would send me a payment check every month.

You can send your excess generated electric capacity

into the grid in Canada. No reason to not do it in the USA. See website with procedures below.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/ge_bib/storing.htm

Bottom Line: Until the unit can hook into the grid to sell excess capicity back to utility, turning electricity into heat is nothing more than a 6,000 waste of money.
Gary M – Ohio

Yhe problem I see is this product does not allow you to send excess electricity to the power grid and get paid for it. Instead, it turns execess generated electricity into heat via an electronic heat sink What a waste! If you are not home during the day and have a good source of wind like I do, the unit will run all day and its only product will be outside heat. With good winds most nights and low electricity usage to run a few clocks and night lights, most generated electricity would be turned into electronic heat.

Another flaw is the restriction of not generating more electricity when winds exceed 43 MPH. I have 60+ MPH winds for several days per year in spring and fall. The unit should be designed with no generation restrictions so I can maximize output to the grid and light up the entire neighborhood with my excess power.

If the unit could send excess capacity into the grid, with all the wind I have all year round, the utility company would send me a payment check every month.

You can send your excess generated electric capacity

into the grid in Canada. No reason to not do it in the USA. See website with procedures below.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/ge_bib/storing.htm

Bottom Line: Until the unit can hook into the grid to sell excess capicity back to utility, turning electricity into heat is nothing more than a 6,000 waste of money.
Gary M – Ohio

Yhe problem I see is this product does not allow you to send excess electricity to the power grid and get paid for it. Instead, it turns execess generated electricity into heat via an electronic heat sink What a waste! If you are not home during the day and have a good source of wind like I do, the unit will run all day and its only product will be outside heat. With good winds most nights and low electricity usage to run a few clocks and night lights, most generated electricity would be turned into electronic heat.

Another flaw is the restriction of not generating more electricity when winds exceed 43 MPH. I have 60+ MPH winds for several days per year in spring and fall. The unit should be designed with no generation restrictions so I can maximize output to the grid and light up the entire neighborhood with my excess power.

If the unit could send excess capacity into the grid, with all the wind I have all year round, the utility company would send me a payment check every month.

You can send your excess generated electric capacity

into the grid in Canada. No reason to not do it in the USA. See website with procedures below.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/ge_bib/storing.htm

Bottom Line: Until the unit can hook into the grid to sell excess capicity back to utility, turning electricity into heat is nothing more than a 6,000 waste of money.
- http://windenergy7.com WindEnergy7
  
  Have a look at the WindEnergy7 system at their website
  
  http://windenergy7.com
  
  Look at two videos there, the one where their system is standing tough in an ice storm, and another where it is in a 60mph wind storm.
  
  Then look at this flimsy bicycle wheel and tell me that this thing could hold up to that kind of abuse for the life of your mortgage.
  
  WindEnergy7 system is a real heavy duty system, will clearly last much longer, you can tell that at a glance.
http://Web ton

what is the turbin 1000 watt or 500watt per hour is it UL certafied for USA
- http://fixyoursite cindy
  
  if you are going to allow comments on your page, fix it so you can just print the article. I wasted about 10 – 15 additional pages of comments to print 2 pages of article!
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