Senergy Ltd. plans to enter the household wind turbine market when the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) regulations and tariffs for the turbines come into effect in a few months. The Afula-based company develops and sells alternative energy solutions and direct current solar cooling systems. A pilot household wind turbine is operational at Tel Adashim.
Senergy said that the turbines will be installed on roofs and do not require a building permit. Senergy CEO Yossi Gamliel said that the turbines function at wind speeds of two meters per second and generate 0.5-5 kilowatts of electricity. "The the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) regulations and tariffs for small wind turbines, which are due to come into effect in a few months, will make wind energy worthwhile for private consumers," he said.
Minister of National Infrastructures Benjamin Ben-Eliezer has ordered the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) to formulate regulations and tariffs for small wind turbines within three to four months. The regulations and tariffs will be similar to those recently published for photovoltaic solar power panels for households.
The Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) will set a tariff for up to 50 kilowatts of electricity production by 20,000 small power units. The electricity produced will be consumed by the producer and any surplus can be sold to the national grid at a high price as part of the incentives for using clean energy sources.
Senergy added that homeowners can invite a company expert to examine whether their roofs are suitable for the wind turbines. The company said, "We will provide a 3-4 year warranty subject to the regulations and tariffs that will come into effect.
Senergy is owned by Gamliel and a group of Israeli and foreign businessmen. The company's R&D center, founded in 2007, is in Afula and its factory is in China.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 23, 2008
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