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JellyFish Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Review
The biggest issue I've always had with rooftop horizontal or vertical axis wind
turbines is the length of the payback period. Even with generous state and federal
rebates it could take decades to recoup your investment.
Since most roof top wind turbines are incapable of producing more than 30 kWh per
month, the length of the pay back period is determined primarily by the cost of the
turbine. So in order for a roof top turbine to achieve a reasonable payback of less
than 10 years, it would have to cost around $500 after the 30% tax credit, or $700
retail.
The good news is I found a new VAWT that qualifies. The bad news is it won’t be
going into production until 2011. This leaves only the information from the
manufacturer’s website and my experience to go on.
turbines is the length of the payback period. Even with generous state and federal
rebates it could take decades to recoup your investment.
Since most roof top wind turbines are incapable of producing more than 30 kWh per
month, the length of the pay back period is determined primarily by the cost of the
turbine. So in order for a roof top turbine to achieve a reasonable payback of less
than 10 years, it would have to cost around $500 after the 30% tax credit, or $700
retail.
The good news is I found a new VAWT that qualifies. The bad news is it won’t be
going into production until 2011. This leaves only the information from the
manufacturer’s website and my experience to go on.
The rooftop generator I’m referring to is the
400W “Jellyfish” by Clarian Power. Aside from the
price, what really sets this VAWT system apart is
the technology that allows the turbine to be
plugged into an existing outlet via a “SmartBox.”
The SmartBox power manager slightly resembles
a set back thermostat and acts as a combination
inverter/transfer switch that converts raw DC
power from the turbine into house friendly AC
current, and then feeds it directly into your home’
s circuitry for immediate use.
I’m really impressed with the SmartBox
technology, but unless you have an outdoor
outlet you’re going to be running the cord from
the turbine through an open window into the
house to plug it in.
400W “Jellyfish” by Clarian Power. Aside from the
price, what really sets this VAWT system apart is
the technology that allows the turbine to be
plugged into an existing outlet via a “SmartBox.”
The SmartBox power manager slightly resembles
a set back thermostat and acts as a combination
inverter/transfer switch that converts raw DC
power from the turbine into house friendly AC
current, and then feeds it directly into your home’
s circuitry for immediate use.
I’m really impressed with the SmartBox
technology, but unless you have an outdoor
outlet you’re going to be running the cord from
the turbine through an open window into the
house to plug it in.
The JellyFish measures 48" (1.2m) in height by 36" (0.9m) in width and is capable of
mounting on a rooftop, the side of a building, or atop a pole.
This is a grid tied system and is not designed to charge batteries for an off grid
system. The JellyFish also shuts down during a power outage to prevent back-feeding
into dead power lines - a safety issue for utility repair crews.
Power Output and Payback
The monthly power output for the Jellyfish is estimated by Clarian, its manufacturer,
as 40kWh per month @12 mph. This is still fairly generous as far as rooftop power
output is concerned, but at least they’re not claiming it will reduce your electric bill by
70% as I’ve seen others claim with a straight face.
The fact is, no matter how efficiently a roof top turbine is designed, there isn’t a
reliable source of wind at such a low altitude. The reason is too many buildings, trees,
etc. obstructing the flow of wind and creating turbulence.
A more achievable rate of output would be around 30kWh in still generous 10 mph
winds. At 30kWh per month the average homeowner could shave around $40 or $50
a year from their electric bill.
But in order to figure out the payback period we need the price. Clarian is little
sketchy on this and projects a price of between $399 and $699. Taking an average
price of $550, the payback is 11 years. Factoring in the federal 30% tax credit the net
cost is $385 resulting in a payback of less than 8 years. Not bad, even for larger pole
mounted residential turbines.
State and Federal Tax Incentives
Clarian claims a payback of 3 – 4 years for the JellyFish when all state and federal
rebates are factored in. The problem here is state rebates. True, a rebate from your
state could reduce the final cost by an additional 20 – 25%, but in order for a
homeowner to qualify for the rebate, the manufacturer must first have their turbine
approved and added to the state’s list of qualified appliances.
As you would expect, this could be a lengthy process. So no matter which make of
wind turbine you plan on installing, check with your state’s energy department first.
All in all I think the folks at Clarian are on the right track with the “JellyFish.” Their
SmartBox technology is a giant step forward and the total system cost is on a par
with a moderately priced big screen TV.
mounting on a rooftop, the side of a building, or atop a pole.
This is a grid tied system and is not designed to charge batteries for an off grid
system. The JellyFish also shuts down during a power outage to prevent back-feeding
into dead power lines - a safety issue for utility repair crews.
Power Output and Payback
The monthly power output for the Jellyfish is estimated by Clarian, its manufacturer,
as 40kWh per month @12 mph. This is still fairly generous as far as rooftop power
output is concerned, but at least they’re not claiming it will reduce your electric bill by
70% as I’ve seen others claim with a straight face.
The fact is, no matter how efficiently a roof top turbine is designed, there isn’t a
reliable source of wind at such a low altitude. The reason is too many buildings, trees,
etc. obstructing the flow of wind and creating turbulence.
A more achievable rate of output would be around 30kWh in still generous 10 mph
winds. At 30kWh per month the average homeowner could shave around $40 or $50
a year from their electric bill.
But in order to figure out the payback period we need the price. Clarian is little
sketchy on this and projects a price of between $399 and $699. Taking an average
price of $550, the payback is 11 years. Factoring in the federal 30% tax credit the net
cost is $385 resulting in a payback of less than 8 years. Not bad, even for larger pole
mounted residential turbines.
State and Federal Tax Incentives
Clarian claims a payback of 3 – 4 years for the JellyFish when all state and federal
rebates are factored in. The problem here is state rebates. True, a rebate from your
state could reduce the final cost by an additional 20 – 25%, but in order for a
homeowner to qualify for the rebate, the manufacturer must first have their turbine
approved and added to the state’s list of qualified appliances.
As you would expect, this could be a lengthy process. So no matter which make of
wind turbine you plan on installing, check with your state’s energy department first.
All in all I think the folks at Clarian are on the right track with the “JellyFish.” Their
SmartBox technology is a giant step forward and the total system cost is on a par
with a moderately priced big screen TV.
"JellyFish" Vertical Axis Wind Turbine