Installation

The Skystream 3.7^® was designed to be easily installed. Your Skystream dealer can help you with all the details.

1. PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES
2. SITING INFORMATION
3. TOWER OPTIONS

PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES

It’s important to understand what your local government allows and requires. Your Skystream dealer can provide guidance and support while you work with your city or county to get the proper installation permit and with your local utility to connect to the electric grid through your electric meter.

More information on permitting and interconnection:

• Guide: Getting Connected (PDF)
• Sample interconnection application (PDF)
• Sample small wind ordinance (MS Word)
• Small Wind & Your Neighborhood Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Small Wind & Birds Fact Sheet (PDF)

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PROPER LOCATION

STEP 1: Determining your wind resource

There are several ways to ensure you have at least a 10 mph (4.5 m/s) average wind speed.

1. Wind Maps (USA) / Wind Maps (International)
2. Local authorities such as weather stations
3. Checking your surrounding trees for indication strong wind flagging
4. Site assessment and monitoring by professional third parties

STEP 2: Locating the system on your property

The general rule of thumb is to install your Skystream at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding trees or structures in a 250 foot (76 m) radius.

STEP 3: Ensure proper generator height

In most cases, a taller tower will allow you to generate more energy. Taller towers, however, increase the cost of your installation and may not be allowed in some areas. A Skystream 3.7 commonly requires a monopole or guyed tower. Below you’ll find a siting guide and information on the most common tower options.

For more information, read our siting guide.
Guide: Siting Wind Generators (PDF)

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TOWER OPTIONS

Monopole Towers

• Foundation and Tower Installation Manual (16MB PDF)

Guyed Towers

• 30' Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 42' Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 70' Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)

Tower Load Specifications

• 33’ 6" (10.2 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)
• 45’ (13.7 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)
• 60’ (18.3 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)

OTHER TOWER OPTIONS
We recommend other tower options that can be sourced through partner vendors. These dealers offer towers that are compatible with Skystream.

• Independent Designs and Creations
• Lake Michigan Wind and Sun
• Independent Power Systems
• Sentinel ASA-100 available through Energy Depot (PDF)

TOWER CERTIFICATIONS
For wet stamped drawings, foundation designs and PE certifications not provided through Southwest Windpower, you may contact Tower Engineering Professionals. They will provide stamped drawings and other engineering services for a fee.

• Tower Engineering Professionals: www.tepgroup.net
• Michael Gardner: 919-661-6351