Helix wind vertical axis

Helix Wind has developed a line of vertical axis turbines, which it says are rugged and well suited for gusty wind. This model, which is about 10 feet high without the pole, costs about $7,500. The permanent magnet generator can turn out two kilowatts of electricity--enough to power a portion of a home or small business. But brisk wind is required: the specification sheet notes that the generator does not kick in until wind speeds reach 8 miles per hour.

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