[RE-wrenches] small wind generators

Wed Apr 4 10:24:10 PDT 2012

Hi Chris, 

If by "Y'all" you mean me, since that was my comment ;-), I do think the Air X and Breeze are a good product overall. I said "fairly well" as we have seen our share of failures, some right out of the box. But for the volume we have sold and serviced over the last 8 years, I still like them. Many of them are located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez which has a very high salinity.  303's and 403's still come in for service and even though we can't get parts, I open them up. The problems vary; slip rings, brushes and bearings being the most common failures, control boards after that. For comparison, what other small turbine has the same performance/price point?  

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems
(928) 342-9103

On Apr 4, 2012, at 8:19 AM, Chris Daum wrote:

"Historically the Air products have lasted fairly well and been moderate performers. "?  Really?  I seem to remember a lot of SWWP-bashing on this list not so long ago - and apparently deservedly so.  After 15 or so years of selling the 303s, 403s and Air X's, I pretty much gave up on the product line (including their Whispers) as being unable to last through its warranty period without mucho problems.  Are y'all telling me this has changed?

Chris Daum
Oasis Montana Inc.
406-777-4309
406-777-0830 fax

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry Crutcher,Starlight Solar Power Systems
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2012 11:20 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] small wind generators

SWWP has changed their turbines again. They are now called the the Air 30, Air 40 and Air Breeze. The 30 is like the old X land, the 40 is like the old Breeze Land and the Breeze is like the old Breeze Marine. The Breeze is the only marine model available. Confusing enough? The 40 and Breeze have a limited lifetime warranty and all have a new, higher price. 

Historically the Air products have lasted fairly well and been moderate performers. Air X and Air Breeze parts are still available but SWWP has discontinued support for all other models. We service, sell and recommend them for small PV/wind hybrid systems. AND...they are still USA made! Hurrah!

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems
(928) 342-9103

On Apr 3, 2012, at 7:04 AM, Roy Butler wrote:

Hi Drake,

The Air 403/ Air-X/ Air Breeze/ whatever it's name is now, is fairly dependable.
In most wind regimes it's the equivalent of a 10 or 20 watt solar module but
seems to work just fine. FYI- it's ~ 200 watts or so.

It's not the quietest thing though, being a fairly high rpm turbine.

But the Sunforce 600 is not a 600. The rotor diameter tells the truth, making it
somewhere around a 200 - 250 watt machine. Perhaps they have the bugs worked
out but when they first came out, there were many reliability and performance issues.

What's the application for this?
Roy Butler
NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer
Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
8902 Route 46, Arkport, NY 14807
607-324-9747  www.four-winds-energy.com

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