Appalachian State University Wind Energy Site at Beech Mountain, NC

This website documents the experience gained at the Southwest Wind Power Air X, H40, & 175 Hands-On Wind Turbine Installation Workshop, 10/18 thru 10/21 2004.

Special thanks to Appalachian State University Small Wind Initiative, Southwest Wind Power, students, and all of the nice folks who attended the workshop. Our group helped Appalachian State University install three Southwest Wind Power turbines on top of 45', 70', and 80' tilt-up towers.

This site has a class 5 wind source and is connected to the utility grid. (Grid-Tie)

After a very informative class at the Pinnacle Inn, our first objective was to install an Air X (400 watts at 28 mph) and raise a 45 foot tower. This is a light weight model and with the help of the gin pole the installation is easy. The workshop already has this first tower assembled and anchored with guy wires. Our job was to install the wind turbine, raise the tower, and connect the wires to the battery. This particular model has the power conditioning electronics inside the housing of the alternator so it connects directly to the battery.

Click here to continue to the 80 foot Whisper Tower >>>