1. How much power does it generate?

The total amount PowerNEST generates depends on its location, building height, and surrounding obstacles. These are the basic conditions on how we can predict the energy potential on your building. Till a certain level we are able to theoretically predict and if needed we can place a wind meter to measure the local wind conditions. If you are interested to know the potential on your building, let us know [link fill out form]

2. What if there is no wind?

If there is no wind, there is usually sun. That’s why it is so good to combine wind and solar in a single solution. On a day and year scale the wind evens out with the sun, so you have almost a continues power level of production. This is also very beneficial for your battery life and required capacity if you need one. When you don’t feel wind on a street level, usually there is still a substantial amount of wind at the height of your roof.

3. Many small wind mills have proven inefficient in the urban environment, why would PowerNEST be different?

The urban environment has lower wind speeds due to the many obstructions (buildings, trees, etc.) that lower the wind speed and in addition create turbulence. This significantly influences the total output of a small wind turbine as the startup wind speed is often not reached and the amount of turbulence creates an unsteady wind input. PowerNEST is especially designed to overcome these issues as it accelerates the lower outside wind flow towards the internal centralized turbine. This way, the turbine gets enough wind speed to start producing energy even at lower wind speeds. By the funneling, also the turbulence intensity is reduced. The turbine works more efficient due to higher wind speeds, more optimal due to lower turbulence impact, and with more operational hours, making it especially effective in the urban environment.

4. Does PowerNEST make sound or has it acoustic annoyance?

The turbine we use is rated for 37dB at 10 m/s wind velocity at 2-meter distance. This is a whisper in the storm. In the Netherlands this means that it is allowed to be used in residential areas. As it is located on top of your roof, the turbine always has a larger distance than 2 meters.

5. Does it cause vibrations and will I feel or hear something?

The turbine is the only mechanical part in PowerNEST. It is designed to be placed on a 6-meter pole and is therefore engineered for a minimum of vibrations. PowerNEST has no pole, but a direct fixture on a steel structure with an absorbing basing in between. This minimizes the chance for any possible vibration to be transmitted to the building.

6. What is the weight of the current system? What will be the weight of the next version?

The system is made of sustainable materials with low-weight and long life-time properties. The combination of these materials makes the weight of the unit 4800kg at a total surface of 36m2. With the development of the unit we decreased the total weight of the next generation with 1000kg. Our PowerNEST 2.0 (under development) is even lighter.

7. What is the impact on the existing roof? Will an existing roof will be able to support it without additional structure?

One of the first steps in the process is a site survey, this survey includes an inspection of the existing structure of the building. Buildings have a big diversity of types of structures and use of materials, In most cases the structure of the building can support the weight of the unit and additional structures or supports are not required for the installation of the PowerNEST. The connection of the unit and building is made with steel columns, these columns are installed by a specialized roofing company in the pre-installation stage of the project.

8. What is the cost of the unit and what is included or excluded?

The complete system is offered for transportation from the factory based in the Netherlands. The total price depends on the size and location of the installation which we can supply you on request [link to fill out page]. A three-year warranty is included with automated remote monitoring and installed measurement equipment and full support of IBIS Power by any failures or dysfunction of the unit. In addition, we offer a maintenance plan with servicing for different periods to guarantee best performance and energy of your system. Even though the PowerNEST is a modular system, the installation always requires attention for the diversity of building structures, location and installations. We will plan for a site-survey with our partner specialized in assembly and installation activities. This company will make a quotation for the roof preparations, assembly and installation of the unit.

9. Does the efficiency reduce over its life time?

PowerNEST is delivered with a best-value-for-money technology today available based on upfront and life time cost and efficiency. Turbine (parts) must be replaced after 15 years and the solar panels after 20 years while the structure can last 40 years. Both solar and wind technologies will have significantly improved at their replacement time, and will most likely be reduced in cost and increased in efficiency. PowerNEST can only get better. We plan to develop our own turbine technology, and together with the continues efficiency monitoring we would be able to make an offer to improve the output and make it even more attractive.

10. How does it connect to the existing electrical system? Converter? Inverter?

The PowerNEST is a universal system that can be delivered for any electrical system in the world. In most cases, the system is connected to the buildings electrical grid. The electrical system is split up into 2 systems, the wind energy generator and a separate controller and inverter. The second for solar energy is connected to a separate invertor. Finally, they come together to give the electricity to either a storage system or directly to your building similarly as the grid does.

11. What data does it provide?

All data is directly logged from the first spins of the turbine. These data contain the generated power of the unit, the solar and wind conditions, and the efficiencies. This is accessible from all over the world using a web address and personal log-in details. In the future we will develop an app.

12. What maintenance or installation needs are required?

The PowerNEST is delivered with a maintenance plan to secure the performance and life-time of the unit. All the maintenance activities can be executed without any extra structures like scaffolding, what makes it low in cost and highly efficient. The diversity of building structures and installations makes every service of the building an individual case, but we designed the structure in such a way that it covers 95% of flat roof types of structures.

13. Is it safe, what happens in a storm, any how can I secure it?

The PowerNEST is designed according to Eurocode regulations for safety of structures and loadings. This building code is very similar to the ASCE coding in the United States. The turbine is equipped with an electrical and mechanical safety systems to prevent any damage to the turbine and unit itself. The brakes will be activated under high wind speeds with by an integrated measurement system. The PowerNEST is safe in all weather conditions according to these regulations and structural design of PowerNEST. Earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes are exceptional and still require testing according to the local building standards.

14. Who do I call if it breaks?

We always work with a local maintenance company who is trained to perform maintenance. Our technology is sealed and we suggest strongly to not use any other company then who we recommend. We will monitor your installation during the first three years continuously, and will continue doing so if you take a maintenance plan with us. Even when you do not know something is wrong, we have already send our maintenance team to fix it.

15. Can I apply subsidies on PowerNEST?

In most countries there are subsidies or state support vehicles to invest in renewables and make your building more sustainable. Subsidies often change over time, and often have complex conditions to be applicable or how they can benefit the investment. In the Netherlands there is the SDE++, PCR Regeling, Net-metering and other arrangements to lower the investment cost or increase the returns on investment. All subsidies are applicable, but depend on the type of building, size of installation, estimated returns, use of energy, power connections and type of building. As soon as you have recognized a project we will look together what the available subsidies are to make the sustainability transformation of your building even more financially attractive.