This could be the shortest post ever, because installing the Silentwind wind generator was a non-event.
The instructions were easy to follow.
It took three hours, including decommissioning our old turbine and installing Silentwind.
It worked immediately.
WIN!
Ease of installation (and instant gratification!) matter to us because of the sharp contrast with our prior wind turbine installation experience. In 2009, it took more than six months for the AirBreeze we purchased from Southwest Windpower to function. The details are on a post Jamie made to Cruiser’s Forum; suffice to say it was a drawn out, frustrating experience hampered by abysmal customer support. In the end, it worked, but it was an exercise in frustration.
This a was the counterpoint to that experience at every level.
After hearing us rave about our new Silentwind, another boat in the anchorage ordered the same model, and Jamie helped with the install. This was the first wind generator on SV Quasar, but didn't take much additional time. With installing a pole (previously designed and fabricated) and running new wiring, they were finished in about four hours.
There are great details, like the 50 amp fuse included to use when you first connect the controller to the battery bank to ensure proper circuit protection. Then, there's the fact that the three AC conductors (wires) leading from the turbine connect in any order to the three charge controller terminals. The controller determines each wires function, and directs it accordingly. Basically, you can't screw up the wiring! And, the controller itself is included in the package, not a separate purchase. This is a nice touch, with a very cool bonus factor. It turns out you can use this same charge controller to manage up to 550 watts of solar- as much as many cruising boats manage.
Of note: per the instructions, it's important when doing the AC wiring to prevent turbine blades from spinning. If they spin, they'll generate AC electricity. We used a lanyard, loosely tied between one blade and the mounting pole.
Easy breezy readers know we get a charge when you read this on the Sailfeed website.
