Skystream FAQs
How does Skystream® work?
Skystream® is a wind generator installed on top of a tower that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into
electricity to be used in a home's electrical system.
In a typical residential application, a home is served simultaneously by the Skystream® and a local utility.
If the wind speeds are below "cut-in speed" (8 mph) there will be no output from the generator and all of
the needed power is purchased from the utility. As wind speeds increase, the Skystream® 's output
increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased. When the
Skystream® produces more power than the house needs, the meter spins backwards creating a "credit"
that can be used later. All of this is done automatically without any interaction by the homeowner. Batteries
are not required with Skystream® .
Will Skystream® save me money?
Depending on the wind speed average and the amount of energy consumed every month, Skystream®
typically lowers a household electricity bill by 20% to 90%. The amount of money a Skystream® saves you
in the long run will depend upon its installed cost, the amount of electricity you use, the average wind
speed at your site, and other factors.
Will it help the environment if I install a Skystream® at my home?
Because Skystream® produces no pollution and uses wind power, you will be offsetting pollution that
would have been generated by your utility company. Over its life, the Skystream® can offset more than
6000 pounds of global warming pollutants (carbon dioxide and other gases that are associated with
global warming) every year.
Does Skystream® create sound or interfere with TV reception? - Download Sound
Report (PDF)
Skystream® is extremely quiet and makes a small amount of operating sound similar to the level of a
small office. It generally cannot be heard over typical background noise such as the sound of the wind.
Skystream® does not interfere with TV reception.
Is Skystream® dangerous to birds?
While no formal studies have been done, anecdotal evidence indicates that birds occasionally collide with
small wind generators as they do with any other type of structures. However, such events are very rare.
More reading: Download the "Small Wind & Birds" fact sheet (PDF).
Should my neighbors be concerned about safety if I get a Skystream® ?
No. Skystream® 's design was done in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratories. As part of this project, extensive computer modeling and field testing
was done to ensure a safe design. All of Skystream® 's testing was done to internationally accepted
standards for small wind safety and reliability. Your neighbors who may have some concerns about safety
may appreciate the following information:
Tower stability: Thousands of small wind generators are installed in the U.S. every year and their safety
track record is excellent. Trees are much more likely to fall than a properly installed Skystream® , but no
setbacks or minimum property sizes are required for trees.
Safety of utility repair personnel during a power outage: In accordance to IEEE and UL, Skystream® will
automatically shut down in the event of a power outage, and will not energize a dead power line. This is
necessary to protect the utility line repair person.
Ice shed from rotor blades: Ice buildup makes Skystream® blades less aerodynamic, so that they turn
more slowly. Typically, ice will drop to the base of the generator tower and is not dangerous.
Children and towers: In terms of educating children about not climbing Structure™s, a small wind
generator should be treated no differently than other climbable structures such as water towers or
amateur radio antennas.
More reading: Download the "Small Wind & Your Neighborhood" fact sheet.
Will a Skystream® damage neighboring property values?
No. With thousands of small wind generators installed today in the U.S., there has never been any
evidence to support this claim. Actually, there are several survey sources that indicate otherwise.
More reading: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/toolbox/TOOLS/fs_values.asp
Will my utility allow me to hook up a Skystream® ?
Yes. Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require
utilities to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy systems. Your dealer should be able
to help arrange the required utility company approvals.
Will my local government allow me to install a Skystream® ?
A Skystream® is a Structure™ that normally requires a building permit. Zoning regulations often limit the
height, placement, and other characteristics of "appurtenant" Structure™s, so a conditional (special) use
permit or variance may be necessary.
Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?
No. A Skystream® can easily be installed at any existing home without the need to change any wiring or
appliances. In most cases, the utility will install a second utility meter to measure how much surplus
electricity it is receiving from the generator owner.
Skystream® is a wind generator installed on top of a tower that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into
electricity to be used in a home's electrical system.
In a typical residential application, a home is served simultaneously by the Skystream® and a local utility.
If the wind speeds are below "cut-in speed" (8 mph) there will be no output from the generator and all of
the needed power is purchased from the utility. As wind speeds increase, the Skystream® 's output
increases and the amount of power purchased from the utility is proportionately decreased. When the
Skystream® produces more power than the house needs, the meter spins backwards creating a "credit"
that can be used later. All of this is done automatically without any interaction by the homeowner. Batteries
are not required with Skystream® .
Will Skystream® save me money?
Depending on the wind speed average and the amount of energy consumed every month, Skystream®
typically lowers a household electricity bill by 20% to 90%. The amount of money a Skystream® saves you
in the long run will depend upon its installed cost, the amount of electricity you use, the average wind
speed at your site, and other factors.
Will it help the environment if I install a Skystream® at my home?
Because Skystream® produces no pollution and uses wind power, you will be offsetting pollution that
would have been generated by your utility company. Over its life, the Skystream® can offset more than
6000 pounds of global warming pollutants (carbon dioxide and other gases that are associated with
global warming) every year.
Does Skystream® create sound or interfere with TV reception? - Download Sound
Report (PDF)
Skystream® is extremely quiet and makes a small amount of operating sound similar to the level of a
small office. It generally cannot be heard over typical background noise such as the sound of the wind.
Skystream® does not interfere with TV reception.
Is Skystream® dangerous to birds?
While no formal studies have been done, anecdotal evidence indicates that birds occasionally collide with
small wind generators as they do with any other type of structures. However, such events are very rare.
More reading: Download the "Small Wind & Birds" fact sheet (PDF).
Should my neighbors be concerned about safety if I get a Skystream® ?
No. Skystream® 's design was done in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National
Renewable Energy Laboratories. As part of this project, extensive computer modeling and field testing
was done to ensure a safe design. All of Skystream® 's testing was done to internationally accepted
standards for small wind safety and reliability. Your neighbors who may have some concerns about safety
may appreciate the following information:
Tower stability: Thousands of small wind generators are installed in the U.S. every year and their safety
track record is excellent. Trees are much more likely to fall than a properly installed Skystream® , but no
setbacks or minimum property sizes are required for trees.
Safety of utility repair personnel during a power outage: In accordance to IEEE and UL, Skystream® will
automatically shut down in the event of a power outage, and will not energize a dead power line. This is
necessary to protect the utility line repair person.
Ice shed from rotor blades: Ice buildup makes Skystream® blades less aerodynamic, so that they turn
more slowly. Typically, ice will drop to the base of the generator tower and is not dangerous.
Children and towers: In terms of educating children about not climbing Structure™s, a small wind
generator should be treated no differently than other climbable structures such as water towers or
amateur radio antennas.
More reading: Download the "Small Wind & Your Neighborhood" fact sheet.
Will a Skystream® damage neighboring property values?
No. With thousands of small wind generators installed today in the U.S., there has never been any
evidence to support this claim. Actually, there are several survey sources that indicate otherwise.
More reading: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/toolbox/TOOLS/fs_values.asp
Will my utility allow me to hook up a Skystream® ?
Yes. Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require
utilities to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy systems. Your dealer should be able
to help arrange the required utility company approvals.
Will my local government allow me to install a Skystream® ?
A Skystream® is a Structure™ that normally requires a building permit. Zoning regulations often limit the
height, placement, and other characteristics of "appurtenant" Structure™s, so a conditional (special) use
permit or variance may be necessary.
Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?
No. A Skystream® can easily be installed at any existing home without the need to change any wiring or
appliances. In most cases, the utility will install a second utility meter to measure how much surplus
electricity it is receiving from the generator owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Much of the information in the FAQ section was obtained directly from the Skystream® Website with modification pertinent to
the Midwest area
the Midwest area
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Business Contact Information
Phone: 815-471-2020
Email: Ben@angelwindenergy.com
Mail: Angel Wind Energy
113 N Pine
Onarga IL 60955
Phone: 815-471-2020
Email: Ben@angelwindenergy.com
Mail: Angel Wind Energy
113 N Pine
Onarga IL 60955