Southwest Windpower Inc. and Advanced Technology & Research Corp. (ATR) announced today an exclusive strategic alliance to design and manufacture groundbreaking wind-solar hybrid systems. The companies have applied decades of engineering experience and accomplishment in their respective fields to develop the first fully integrated wind-solar hybrid system of substantial capacity. The combination of advanced small wind turbines with microprocessor-controlled solar tracking technology delivers more consistent energy and represents a new chapter in small-scale on-site power generation.
“We’re pleased to enter this partnership with ATR, which integrates today’s best small wind power technology with ATR’s solar tracking expertise, resulting in cost-effective renewable energy solutions for consumers and business owners,” said Scott Brown, Interim CEO of Southwest Windpower.
Dr. Jackson Yang, CEO of ATR, added, “We are excited to join forces with Southwest Windpower to bring advanced, cost-effective renewable energy solutions to all who want clean power right where they use it.”
The initial wind-solar offering, named Skystream Hybrid 6, uses a Skystream 3.7 wind generator, six solar panels and a GPS-controlled tracking mechanism that rotates the panels to capture the best available sunlight. The tracking mechanism delivers up to 35% more energy than fixed panels on a rooftop. The solar panels and tracker are mounted on the wind turbine’s tower, which minimizes the system’s visual impact and reduces the costs compared with separate systems. State and local incentives for solar and wind systems can reduce the overall costs significantly in many locations.
The Skystream Hybrid 6 will be available initially in the continental United States later this month, followed by worldwide rollout through Southwest Windpower’s global distribution network.
Southwest Windpower and ATR are committed to continuous innovation in creating renewable power systems for varied applications. The companies plan to introduce further hybrid systems for diverse customer needs, while maintaining their strong traditions of rugged construction, safety, reliability and customer support.
Nice combination to optimize this package. I proposed the same thing to Building Turbines, LLC.
ReplyDeletePosted by Fred
Cost per unit and maintenance costs are....?
ReplyDeletePosted by Patrick
This is interesting. What capacities and how many units are
ReplyDeleteoperating? ~ Posted by Rizwan
What is the added value of combining the two? Are you just using
ReplyDeletethe space or are there more added benefits? I would like to learn
more. ~ Posted by Ales
This looks like an awesome idea. What government (or other)
ReplyDeleteincentives exist today to develop this technology (in U.S. or other
country)? Where is the technology being used today? Biggest
impediments to growth? How does this tie into Smart
Buildings/Grid/Cities? ~ Posted by Pete
Hybrid is good, but why it is necessary to put the wind and sun on
ReplyDeletea single integrated tower? For safety, it is better to install the
solar panels array on the ground or at rooftop. ~ Posted by Xavi
From the picture this seems like a short tower with two big
ReplyDeleteturbulence sources on it - combined with the fact that this downwind
system already has the tower shadow to contend with it does not seem
so hot to me. And the panels are tracking, too - my guess is all
potential extra energy would be spent in that. I think wind and solar
are a natural hybrid - but not in this way... ~ Posted by Margo
I would agree with Margo; sound like a lot more sizzle than steak.
ReplyDeleteI live on the island of St Croix and there are not many places on the
planet that are better locations for alternative energy; lots of wind,
sun, and electricity rates that are about five times higher than the
U.S.~ Posted by Richard
Keni- I like the idea you are introducing. I am curious though how
ReplyDeleteit will handle high wind gusts on the solar panels?
Respectfully,
Randy Rule
Technical Bolting Specialist
Williams Fastener
Very nice to connect them! ~ Posted by Jek
ReplyDeleteAgree hybrid would be a positive direction for renewables.
ReplyDelete