Because the small wind turbine systems can be configured to for either residential and commercial properties, the systems range widely in price–between $4,500 to $250,000. But the company’s Web site does offer some guidelines in terms of initial outlay.
The plan will also include financing to enable distributors to carry more inventory thereby decreasing the time it takes to meet customer orders, according to Helix Wind.
(Credit:
Helix Wind)
“We conduct an extensive fact-finding process with potential customers to determine the best solution for their particular set of financial and resource conditions,” Gardner said in an e-mail.
Helix Wind makes relatively small vertical-axis wind turbines that can generate electricity with winds as low as 10 mph. These small-scale wind turbines are designed for residential and small-business owners looking for microgeneration.
The Helix S322 vertical wind turbine is designed for urban spaces.
“A 5-kW (kilowatt) grid-connected residential-scale system generally costs ($20,000) to 25,000 to install. The best candidates for these systems are homes and businesses with at least a half acre of property, a Class 3 or better wind resource, and utility bills averaging $150 per month or more,” according to Helix Wind.
It may be a classic business model that helps potential customers fund this new technology.
Helix Wind has partnered with Atoll Financial Group, a financial services company based in Washington, D.C., to offer loans for its small wind turbines. It’s similar to
car manufacturers with a financing arm for auto loans or furniture stores that offer financing for a dining room set.
The financing packages offered in conjunction with Atoll will vary by market, country, and type of customer, according to Helix Wind CEO Ian Gardner.
While wind turbines save money on power in the long term, the initial outlay for buying and installing one can be prohibitive to many homeowners even if they live in a state that offers generous rebates.