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SoleVento Small Wind Turbine, Solar PV, and Electronics Products

February 9 in Building & Design, Energy Storage Systems, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Uncategorized, Utility Scale Systems, Wind & Solar Systems by walker | 3 Comments

4 kW UGE at the EcoTech Institute Aurora, Colorado

SoleVento, LLC is committed to bringing the best commercial wind, solar, and sustainable generation technology available to the market as components of highly efficient and effective systems.  What follows are the small wind turbines, solar PV modules, and electronics that we provide to our clients-whether it is for your small business, your half million square foot distribution center, or your remote resort-we have systems to fit your goals and needs.  Enjoy the information and please do not hesitate to reach out for pricing, questions, or ideas.

Commercial Small Wind Turbines

TechnoSpin PowerSpin Series(HAWT)

TechnoSpin provides ground breaking efficiency (up to 40%) and excellent pricing.  These machines are ideal for businesses that are on a tight budget and have space constraints.  The turbines are designed and manufactured in Israel and the US.  TechnoSpin turbines are easily integrated into hybrid power systems.

2.2 kW TechnoSpin PowerSpin Series Small Wind Turbine

4 kW TechnoSpin PowerSpin Series Small Wind Turbine

8 kW TechnoSpin PowerSpin Series Small Wind Turbine

13 kW TechnoSpin PowerSpin Series Small Wind Turbine

Urban Green Energy(VAWT)

Urban Green Energy wind turbine systems are some of the most beautiful machines on the market.  They have a low RPM which creates a visually stunning effect.  UGE’s are a superb example of form and function.  UGE is a great component for urban hybrid systems.

1 kW Urban Green Energy Vertical Axis Small Wind Turbine

4 kW Urban Green Energy Vertical Axis Small Wind Turbine

Urban Green Energy Hybrid Lighting System

Kestrel Wind Energy(HAWT)

Kestrel Wind Energy turbines are excellent options for hybrid systems and where multiple wind turbines are desired for roof mounting.  These machines make great battery charging systems and water pumping for irrigation systems.  Kestrels are heavy duty little machines that are excellent for commercial roof mounted systems.  A major benefit of these turbines is that they output DC voltage which makes them convenient to combine.

600 W Kestrel Small Wind Turbine

1 kW Kestrel Small Wind Turbine

3 kW Kestrel Small Wind Turbine

Fortis Wind Energy(HAWT)

Fortis Wind Energy products are some of the best available.  They cost more but you get a hand made machine that has the longest track record of any turbine on the market.  Their US headquarters in Ithaca, NY is focused on testing, and improving the turbine through a partnership with SMA.  Fortis turbines perform the best when there is a class 2-3 average wind speed and where there is not much variation in the direction of the wind.

5 kW Fortis Montana

10 kW Fortis Alize

AeroStar(HAWT)

AeroStar wind turbines are great machines for commercial businesses where tower height is not an issue and there is grid availability.  These turbines are designed and manufactured in the US, so they are ideal for military bases and other ARRA projects.  One of the best aspects of this machine is the monitoring system which is touch screen based and very simple to access.  AeroStar turbines do not require inverters.

http://www.aerostarwind.com/6_meter.html

http://www.aerostarwind.com/independence_32_specs.html

Solar PV Modules

Solar Depot

We work with SolarDepot to provide high quality and competitive pricing for our clients.  SoleVento and SolarDepot work together to provide the best complete solar PV systems for our clients.

Suntech

Suntech is the worlds dominant PV manufacturer.  Their products have a great track record and have very tight tolerances.  We work with Suntech on large commercial and utility scale projects.

210-205w Suntech PV Modules

225-220w SunTech PV Modules

275-280W Suntech PV Modules

Day4Energy

Day4Energy has some of the most exciting new PV technology available on the market.  Their Guardian technology produces 13% more power and do not degrade over time.  These modules are worth the money.  If you are a business and want your system to last 35+ years, Day4Energy and SoleVento want to work with you.

Day4Energy 48MCS

Day4Energy 60MCI

Evergreen Solar

Evergreen produces the most sustainable solar PV modules on the market today.

Evergreen PV Modules

Electronics

SMA

SMA is the standard for wind and solar inverting.  Their components are high quality, easy to install, and are highly efficient.  Their WindyBoy inverters are some of the best that you can buy for wind turbine installations, and they are our preferred electronics set when installing commercial wind turbine systems.

WindyBoy Wind Turbine Inverting System

SMA 500kW Commercial and Utility Scale Inverting System

Hybridyne

Hybridyne’s inverting solution is ground breaking.  This technology allows PV and wind turbine systems to produce up to 30% more power because of the inverters low start up voltage.  Please contact SoleVento for more information on these systems.

Hybridyne is part of the SoleVento, LLC Team.

Advanced Motor Controls

SoleVento offers advanced motor control systems designed for manufacturing and distribution operations who need to optimize their electrical systems efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Technologies For AC Motors

ZBB Energy Storage Systems

ZBB is next generation energy storage technology.  SoleVento works with ZBB to integrate and design systems for businesses and governments who either do not have a reliable grid or who cannot afford to be taken off line.  These systems are modular and easy to integrate.  This technology when integrated into a SoleVento Hybrid system provides superior security and energy independence.

Grid Interactive System

Grid Independent System

Grid Conversion System

Remember to check back often for new renewable energy and energy efficiency products and technology!

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Next Contract Project: Fort Carson Mini Solar Farm

February 4 in Uncategorized by walker | No Comments

SoleVento recently finished their first major commercial job at the EcoTech Institute where they installed 9 wind turbines, 8 roof mounted and one installed on a 43 ft monopole tower.  True to their passion, they are beginning their second major project in mid January.  SoleVento will be installing a 20 kW mini solar farm for the new MI-COF facility at Fort Carson for Tepa EC.  We have worked closely with Tepa and Merrick to design and plan the system, and we are very excited to get our boots on the ground!  We will be installing 96 EverGreen solar pv modules onto the ProSolar Groundtrack racking system.  Our systems output will be 480V created by two Fronius inverters.  Our team will consist of Steven Chaney who is currently pursuing his NABCEP certification, our partners at Padgett Electric, and the rest of the SoleVento integration crew.  This system will be a first for Fort Carson, and we are excited to provide it for them.   For now, enjoy the rest of the blog and the new website, and check back soon for pictures!

SoleVento, LLC Wins New Small Wind Power Project!

February 4 in Uncategorized by walker | No Comments

SoleVento,LLC has been contracted to install a 8kW TechnoSpin PowerSpin at Skeen’s Diesel’s new engine repair facility in Odessa, Texas.  The site is ideal as it is wide open, flat, and home to class 3 average wind speed.  We will install the turbine on a 80ft Valmont monopole tower and run the power through a full SMA control and inverting system.  We are expecting an output of 20-25,000 kWh per year with this machine at a cost of under $60,000 BEFORE the tax credit.  We have designed this system to provide Skeen’s the option of expanding to a hybrid system in the future.  SoleVento, LLC is excited about this project and the opportunity to continue to expand it’s operations providing sales and installation services to businesses in one of the best wind resources in the country.

commercial small wind turbine system

perfect small wind turbine system for small commercial operations

Training With SoleVento

December 26 in Uncategorized by walker | No Comments

A. Codner with Kestrel e160

Andrew Codner - Sales Representative

Training with SoleVento is all inclusive.  I was brought into this team to be a salesperson but my training has included all aspects of project development.  I have observed Walker as he conducts business with engineers, architects, foreman, business partners, potential customers, and electricians.  I have witnessed Walker climb wind turbine towers and perform routine system checks.  I have been involved in wiring mobile photovoltaic solar panels where I learned the difference between series and parallel wiring.  I have aided in the construction of a frame for a roof mounted solar module.  I have been included in several meetings with engineers, (Merrick and CH2M Hill) as they lay out design and construction plans for future utility-scale projects.  I have been an audience member at two presentations given by Walker, one at the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce and the other for Sage.  I also have hands-on training at our job site in Aurora, Eco-tech.  From working closely with electricians, I have learned how to mount system components like inverters, disconnects, and other electrical boxes.  This has given me a unique opportunity to use tools and hardware such as drills, saws, measuring tape, toggle bolts, multi-meters, and reamers.  I can now say I have experience with Uni-Strut, Seal-Tite, conduit, and copper wire.  I have learned how to “pull wire” and strip wire.  I have assembled 600W Kestrel wind turbines and assisted in their installation.  I look forward to installing a 4KW Urban Green Energy vertical axis wind turbine and its accompanying 43ft tower.  As a salesperson for SoleVento, it is not my job to be an expert electrician, but by participating in a “bottom-up” approach to training I have a distinct advantage when it comes to educating customers about what we can offer them in wind and solar energy solutions.

EcoTech Institute Completed!

December 23 in Building & Design, Commercial Small Wind Turbines, Energy Storage Systems, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Roof Mounted Wind Turbines, Uncategorized, Wind & Solar Systems by walker | No Comments

Hello to everyone interested in commercial and large scale renewable energy applications!  SoleVento, after building momentum through the worst of the recession, has recently won a significant contract with Rives Construction to implement a small wind turbine system for the EcoTech Institute in Denver, Colorado.

Our project at EcoTech began construction in November 2010.  We are installing a 4 kW Urban Green Energy wind turbine on a 43 ft tower along with 8 Kestrel 600W e160s on parapet mounted tower systems that we are developing jointly with Rives Construction.  This project will be a great small wind turbine installation that will operate for at least the next 25 years.  The building is located off of highway 225 in Aurora, Co and will be very visible.  Another major aspect of this project is the UL listing process.  The small wind system being installed will be the first system listed in the US.  The best part of this installation is that after its completion, we will be the most experienced small wind turbine installers in Colorado, with 14 small wind turbines installed in the past year.  If you have a commercial building and would like to add high quality renewable energy systems to it, then we are the company to work with.

The process of this installation has been a great learning experience.  We have worked closely with Rives Construction on the planning and design of the project as well as the custom parapet roof mounting system.  Working with the electrical contractor, Pagett Electric, has been a pleasure and highly effective.  Collaborating on each step of the planning and installation process has ensured a well thought out and effective system.  SoleVento has also learned the importing process and is now able to import without any major delays.  Not only is the completion of this project a milestone in the company’s maturation, but it has also made us significantly better at what we do.  You will be hard pressed to find a more versatile commercial renewable energy integrator anywhere.

More news to come as the final pieces of the puzzle come together at the job site.  Until then, enjoy the pictures!

Well, We are finally finished!  The turbines are running and the UL Listing is complete.  This was a great project, with a great crew, and SoleVento, LLC would like to thank everyone who was involved!

EcoTech UL Listing Announcement Video

The EcoTech System In Action(Video)!

Click here  to check our a picture of this installation at the Urban Green Energy website!

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Big News! SoleVento’s Costa Rica Operation

November 26 in Building & Design, Energy Storage Systems, Uncategorized, Utility Scale Systems, Wind & Solar Systems by walker | No Comments

SoleVento is now serving Costa Rica as well as other countries in South and Central America.  SoleVento’s main focus in Costa Rica is utility scale solar and wind development, commercial wind and solar PV integration, and community based power.  We offer the highest quality products and have the technical experience to design and integrate one-of-a-kind systems for site-specific applications.  The technology we have access to and provide is one-of-a-kind and can only be accessed through SoleVento.  We can provide you with 100% onsite generation and energy storage, financing, consultation, and long term planning.  We are also actively working with governments across the Americas to plan and implement utility scale renewable energy projects.

Heading up our operations in Costa Rica as well as the rest of Central and South America is Enrique Medina, and managing the development is Pablo Diaz.  Both of these men are highly accomplished and able to navigate the political systems present.  Enrique is your local contact for all of the services that SoleVento provides.

We are also happy to announce that SoleVento will be moving forward with a 50MW Hybrid Wind/Solar PV farm in north western Costa Rica.  We are planning on 30MW of solar and 20MW of wind which will be bolstered by new inverting systems that will increase the output of the PV farm by 25%.  This particular farm will employ 25 native Costa Ricans and will provide a revenue stream that will allow SoleVento to continue to invest in Costa Rica.

Services Provided in Costa Rica by SoleVento:

Consultation/Planning

Land Acquisition

Development

Integration

Monitoring

Operations

Maintenance

Infrastructure

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The Importance of the Feasibility Study

March 31 in Uncategorized by walker | No Comments

I am sure many of you have wondered exactly how much wind your property has.  In my travels and siting expeditions for both small and large wind I hear it all too often, “the wind blows like crazy here”, but knowing how much wind your site actually receives can be dramatically different from what the wind maps or your common sense tells you.  So, by hiring a professional company like SoleVento that has the experience and expertise in collecting and analyzing wind data, you  ensure that the wind turbine you are considering will work as expected.  Our team will come out to your site, install a custom tower, anemometer, and remote data logger, and we will collect data for six months to a year.  While that data is being collected, we also collect other local wind data to compare to your site’s data.  We will then compile all of this data and create an accurate wind profile for your site.  At the end of the feasibility study period we present you with a hard copy of your study with detailed analysis of your site i.e., the wind resource, the optimum operating height of the turbine, and system recommendations.  Our goal is to give our clients an accurate picture of how much a given system will produce over the lifetime of that system, as well as accurate numbers for your system’s ROI (return on investment), carbon offset created, and Renewable Energy Credits generated.  The residential/commercial feasibility study can usually be completed  for about $3000.

Another form of the feasibility study is the wind/solar farm development option.  We will do a feasibility study to determine all of the steps associated with developing your property, as well as determine if your property receives enough wind to make a project feasible.  We are currently working on two utility scale projects.  If you want to find out if your property is adequate for a utility scale project just give us a call or send us an email and we will begin the conversation.  The cost of the utility scale study is charged on an hourly consulting basis.  At the end of study and planning you will have the information you need to either develop the project or sell the project.  The feasibility study provides definitive proof to investors that your site will pay their investment dollars back.

Thanks for reading,

Walker

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Roof-mounted turbine installation (Honey Farm)

January 25 in Wind & Solar Systems by walker | No Comments

Location: Honey Farm, Weld County, Colorado

We finished the  installation of our second roof mounted wind turbine on Wednesday in a remote, off-grid location in Weld County Colorado.  We spent a few days reinforcing the structure of the building and installing the electronics.  It then required another day to install the first part of the tower system – the tower brackets that hold the tower in place.  Finally it was crane day, where we lifted and installed the tower and a 1.2kW wind turbine.  Dusty, from Sterling Crane, did a great job lifting and tilting the towers.  He really made our job easy.  It was a great experience  and went like clockwork.  A special thanks to MoJeaux’s BBQ!  Lunch was delicious!

I am really happy with the whole installation.  Our process was well planned out and efficient, and we are all excited about putting together and installing the rest of the components for the Honey Farm hybrid power system.  We have 1.2 kW of photovoltaic panels, a UGE 1k turbine,and a solar thermal system yet to be installed.  When we are finished, the system will power Bruce’s entire honey processing operation!

The towers were designed by our team under the guidance of our engineer, Geoff Robinson.  They not only look good but are safe and easy to climb.  We tested the turbine after installation, and it worked well.  This past weekend Northern Colorado had some great wind (50+ mph), and the turbine put out a significant amount of power.  The tower structure performed well too.  Bruce charged batteries, ran a large floor heater, and had all the lights on.  He even charged his cordless tool batteries all day, and the battery system hardly lost charge.

We had a special guest helping us with this installation.  Steve Milford with TIC Telecom came up from Texas to help guide the towers in place.  Thanks Steve!  SoleVento recently partnered with TIC Telecom to provide our clients with a true national installation force, saving us time and our clients money.  We can install turbines anywhere in the US and do it with dedicated and skilled installers. We are very excited about our relationship with TIC,  and we really enjoyed working with Steve Milford.  He is a good man and is dedicated to bringing alternative energy to an industry that can really benefit from SoleVento’s products and services.  I believe that our companies  are going to do a lot of really important projects together all over the country.

Loving what I do,

Walker

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