Installation

The Skystream 3.7^® was designed to be easily installed. Your Skystream dealer can help you with all the details.

1. PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES
2. SITING INFORMATION
3. TOWER OPTIONS

PERMITTING, ZONING, AND UTILITIES

It’s important to understand what your local government allows and requires. Your Skystream dealer can provide guidance and support while you work with your city or county to get the proper installation permit and with your local utility to connect to the electric grid through your electric meter.

More information on permitting and interconnection:

• Guide: Getting Connected (PDF)
• In the Public Interest - detailed permitting guide for governments (PDF)
• Sample interconnection application (PDF)
• Sample small wind ordinance (MS Word)
• Small Wind & Your Neighborhood Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Small Wind & Birds Fact Sheet (PDF)

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PROPER LOCATION

STEP 1: Determining your wind resource

There are several ways to ensure you have at least a 10 mph (4.5 m/s) average wind speed.

1. Wind Maps (USA) / Wind Maps (International)
2. Local authorities such as weather stations
3. Checking your surrounding trees for indication strong wind flagging
4. Site assessment and monitoring by professional third parties

STEP 2: Locating the system on your property

The general rule of thumb is to install your Skystream at least 20 feet (6 m) above any surrounding trees or structures in a 250 foot (76 m) radius.

STEP 3: Ensure proper generator height

In most cases, a taller tower will allow you to generate more energy. Taller towers, however, increase the cost of your installation and may not be allowed in some areas. A Skystream 3.7 commonly requires a monopole or guyed tower. Below you’ll find a siting guide and information on the most common tower options.

For more information, read our siting guide.
Guide: Siting Wind Generators (PDF)

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TOWER OPTIONS

Southwest Windpower approves the following towers for use with the Skystream wind generator. The towers below are engineered specifically for use with the Skystream system and ensure safety, longevity and efficiency of your turbine. Southwest Windpower does not recommend third party manufactured towers or mounting systems for the Skystream wind generator.  Use of such towers may affect the safety and performance of your system and in some cases may void your warranty. Check with your dealer to ensure they are using Skystream authorized towers listed below.  

• Skystream Segmented Tower Manual (PDF)
• Skystream Monopole Tower Foundation Manual (PDF)
• Skystream Monopole Foundation Drawings (PDF)
• Skystream SMarT Foundation™ Instructions & Drawings (PDF)
• 30 ft (9 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 42 ft (13 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)
• 70 ft (21 m) Guyed Tower Manual (PDF)

Tower Load Specifications

• 33’ 6" (10.2 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)
• 45’ (13.7 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)
• 60’ (18.3 m) Monopole Tower (PDF)

TOWER CERTIFICATIONS
For wet stamped drawings, foundation designs and PE certifications not provided through Southwest Windpower, you may contact Tower Engineering Professionals. They will provide stamped drawings and other engineering services for a fee.

Tower Engineering Professionals www.tepgroup.net

• Contact Ronnie Glover: 919-661-6351 rglover@tepgroup.net