There is an old saying that when you have a “win-win project “it means that the results will have many benefits.  The new “Windsail” from Windenergy Corporation is a revolutionary concept in wind turbine design.  Installed on a post in front of a commercial building, or mounted on the roof, this eye-catching vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) combines the benefits of generating electrical power on-site with a very unique opportunity to advertise the business.

Capable of generating up to 12 KW or more at peak output, this system can produce 15,000 to 25,000 kWh per year.  With a sail height of nearly 20 feet and a diameter of over 13 feet, the Windsail becomes a giant spinning sign.  Custom graphics and colors can be installed to attract attention to the business while the spinning motion makes this advertising stand-out from the other sign clutter. 

The system can be optimized to convert the wind to electricity and directly connects to the existing power supply to reduce electrical consumption.  The slow rotation of the sail creates electricity from torque and is quiet with a top rotational speed of 80 rpm.  Birds see the Windsail shape and can easily avoid collisions with the slow spinning turbine and there has been no problems reported with harm to bats or butterflies.

With any renewable energy project the question of cost and payback always becomes a topic of discussion.  Many variables factor into payback analysis and return on investment projections and at the end of the conversation, the final answer is at best a good guess.  Most good energy projects return the entire cost the equipment and installation, along with the lending fees in 10 years or less.  Location, wind speed, electric supply costs, and many other factors will determine the final payback numbers.

What is so unique about this system is the merging of a wind energy generator designed for commercial use with the benefits of attracting a lot of attention to the business.  The value of the “spinning sign” is hard to calculate, but it is very important (or you would not see any signs).  A company sign can have high costs to purchase and install along with the ongoing costs for lighting and maintenance.  The Windsail is a sign that makes money when the wind is blowing, and attracts attentions when the wind is calm.

Check out www.windenergycorp.com for additional information.