faqs
		Aerotecture Paradigm: where wind farms are big, we are small where wind farms are rural, we are urban where wind farms avoid buildings, we attach to them where wind farms seek single monster units, we deploy many units where wind farms are hundreds of miles from their 'users', we are right there Frequently asked questions and their answers: 1. Are Aeroturbines available for residential applications? A: Larger commercial and multi-family residences typically have access to stronger winds than do single-family residences. Homes tend to have trees and other obstacles near them which can block wind as well as being low to the ground.  This doesn't apply to ALL homes, so if you still have a very windy site (at least 10 mph wind on average) you could be a candidate. 2.  Are Aeroturbines sold commercially? A: Yes, and our newest model is a hybrid using solar panels along with the 510V Aeroturbines (single, double or triple turbine designs). 3. Can Aeroturbines be shipped nationwide or overseas? A: We currently have dealers in Chicago, Illinois and San Francisco, California. Projects outside the Chicago, IL area are very carefully selected at this time. All inquiries have to come through Aerotecture for review. Only projects within a 50-mile radius of these locations can be considered at this time.. We are working on setting up mass manufacturing and establishing dealerships. After this is in place we will be better able to service the world. Please stay tuned for further details. 4. How much electricity do Aeroturbines generate? A: The estimated rated output of the 510V is 1kW in 32 mph winds; the estimated rating for the 520H is 1.8kW.  More accurate ratings will be available subsequent to further refinement of the turbine and its electronic equipment. For more information on power specification please click here. 5. How much will an Aeroturbine cost? A: All Aeroturbines are designed and custom-built to fit the architecture of the building. Exact costs will depend on project location, number of turbines purchased, and the required mounting method (bolted or ballasted down).  The 510V Aeroturbine has an estimated cost of $15,000; the 520H Aeroturbine has an estimated cost of $21,000.  This price includes the full system: rotors, cages, all the custom mounting structures, and electronic equipment (batteries are optional and sold separately).  Delivery, installation, maintenance, and custom design time are all additional costs. The cost of Aeroturbines will dramatically decrease with the advent of mass production. 6. How can the electricity produced by Aeroturbines be used? A: Electricity generated by Aeroturbines can be sent to a battery bank and/or the utility grid.  Most utility companies provide net metering for grid-connected systems.  Net metering compensates customers for their on-site electricity production. Please check with your utility company for more informaion. 7.  Do Aeroturbines pose any threat to birds? A: Reflective construction materials and low-speed operation make Aeroturbines more visible to birds.  There has been no reported bird mortality at any of the Aeroturbine test locations. Please go to the Chicago Audubon website for more information related to Aeroturbines and the threat to birds click link here   8. How do I determine if a vertically-mounted or horizontally-mounted Aeroturbine would be more appropriate for my project? A: Vertical Aeroturbines work well in winds from any direction, and therefore the presence of a dominant wind direction is not critical.  Horizontal Aeroturbines however, require a dominant wind direction; for maximum efficiency, the rotational axis of horizontal Aeroturbines must be oriented perpendicular to a location’s dominant wind direction. A renewable energy site evaluation (RESE) is required to begin each new project click here for more information. 9. What is the ideal location for an Aeroturbine? A: In order to operate efficiently, an Aeroturbine must be installed: Building attached to your roof or highest point (every 40 feet the wind speeds tend to double) Above or away from surrounding trees and other obstructions In an area with average wind speeds of at least 10 mph. 10. If my project site meets the criteria above, what should I do next? A:  Contact us at info@aerotecture.com to request a renewable energy site evaluation (RESE).