On the Energy Farm we utilize a 24VDC battery charging system. We are operating a Bergey 1KW turbine with another 4Kw being installed. We have recently purchased solar panels that will be integrated into this system. Wind and sun work well together and both are plentiful in Nebraska. Our system illustrates the synergies created by these two techniques using a simple battery charging system that also provides power back up when power goes out.

We estimate production from our 1K wind tower at about 300KwH/month. We have an excellent spot, but summer output will be lower. This allows us to run house lighting, small refrigerator, fan, computers, tv and a small pump. Larger loads are met as needed with the biodiesel generator. The 1Kwh Bergey was supplied by Dave Tobias in Pilger and has been running for years now with no problems, though stress cracks were noted on blade bases and the nacelle cover on the last inspection. So far so good with that one. The second turbine will be of Indian origin and will necessitate an upsized battery bank as well. I'll have to get those big 6 volt batteries I always wanted...

Photos of the Energy Farm wind turbine:

Pulling out the old grid line at the Energy Farm		Pulling out the old grid line, note turbine behind
The turbine after a storm		Turbine and solar tracker