Micro wind power systems in single-family house?

There are now the new ones from Spain and the USA. I'm very curious about them...

Even the best system can't do anything if it is in the wind shadow of the 50-year-old oak tree. And even if you're not directly in the wind shadow, obstacles on the ground have a very large influence, especially in low wind areas. There are good reasons why proper wind turbines are getting taller and taller.

No, they somehow take that into account. Those aren’t even wheels anymore. One was like a fence (Spain) – the other uses the currents that naturally occur around buildings (like updrafts or downdrafts, I don’t remember exactly). Unfortunately, the second one has to go on the roof and thus competes with photovoltaics. But the fence idea sounds super interesting to me. There is always wind by the road. It’s actually quite windy where we are. I don’t know why. There are houses and trees everywhere around here.

One was like a fence (Spain) - the other uses the currents that form around buildings anyway (like updrafts or downdrafts, I don’t remember exactly). Unfortunately, the second one has to be on the roof and therefore competes with photovoltaics. But the fence idea sounds super interesting to me. There is always wind by the street.

These are all start-ups that are nowhere near ready for mass production - at most, there are individual pilot plants. Assume that it will still take several years before you can buy these things (whether it’s the Spanish, Polish, or US systems). And price-wise? Like with any new technology, probably not really competitive at first.

Spanish turbine - as of April 22 only a single prototype system


Polish garden fence - I don’t want that in my garden... 10m = 1 kW output - start-up


US alternative - one-off from an inventor

Yes, it's a pity that it takes so long. I find the Zaundinger quite interesting. You can then paint them.

It is quite windy here, even. I don't know why. There are houses and trees everywhere.

Wind is a complex matter. Basically, wind in open areas tends to be best. But depending on wind direction, strength, topography and buildings, winds can also be intensified in certain places due to channeling and turbulence. The transitions can also be relatively localized.

I have also seen some of the headlines. Nice ideas, and in 10 years we will see whether they are actually that easy to buy. Just because something basically works as a prototype does not mean it is mass-produced and economically viable.

I don't really know much about it either, but I suspect that a turbine and airflow control parts should generally be cheaper to produce than photovoltaic modules. But I also don't see it as an alternative or competitor, rather as a complement to photovoltaic.