Backing up solar power with wind turbines

摘要

Farm and station solar power systems are normally backed up with diesel generators. In the past three years wind generators entered the market to provide an alternative solar back-up system. The advantages of a wind turbine over extra solar panels areincreased battery life from reduced cycling and generation potential during wet and dark periods. According to Dave Bartley of Sunrise Solar, "Wind turbines add on well to solar if the average wind speed is more than four metres per second or (14.4 kilometres per hour). For smaller installations using about 20kw a day, a Ikw turbine (producing about 4kw/day) should cover you for bad weather. For farms it's a matter of economics. You need to calculate your power usage, compare the cost of installation to the output generated, and match the machine to your average wind speed and power output required."