Frequently Asked Questions
How does your turbine compare with solar PV?
The typical solar panel produces between 200 to 320 watts of power when new. Vortical Tech's turbine is capable of generating over 120 watts of power. While this power output is less than that for an average (new) solar panel on sunny days, it roughly equates to between 2 and 6 PV panels on cloudy days (assuming 10-20% of rated capacity) .
The turbine will nicely augment solar PV and battery backup systems.
How much does the turbine cost?
The turbine is in prototype stage and not yet available for sale. Initially we are targeting a price of roughly two average solar PV panels.
How can you compare the amount of sun during the day versus the amount of water usage?
It's difficult to compare. In the US, average peak sun ranges from about 3.5 to 6.5 hours per day. Water usage varies significantly due to many factors such as number of people in the household and whether a lawn sprinkler system is used.
Does attaching the turbine to the main water line reduce water pressure?
It shouldn't. Most residences and commercial businesses already have pressure regulators that reduce water pressure coming in from the street. Why not have one that also produces electricity?
Does the turbine produce electricity when needed?
Because people tend to use both water and electricity when at home, the correlation of turbine electricity production and usage is higher than with solar.
The typical solar panel produces between 200 to 320 watts of power when new. Vortical Tech's turbine is capable of generating over 120 watts of power. While this power output is less than that for an average (new) solar panel on sunny days, it roughly equates to between 2 and 6 PV panels on cloudy days (assuming 10-20% of rated capacity) .
The turbine will nicely augment solar PV and battery backup systems.
How much does the turbine cost?
The turbine is in prototype stage and not yet available for sale. Initially we are targeting a price of roughly two average solar PV panels.
How can you compare the amount of sun during the day versus the amount of water usage?
It's difficult to compare. In the US, average peak sun ranges from about 3.5 to 6.5 hours per day. Water usage varies significantly due to many factors such as number of people in the household and whether a lawn sprinkler system is used.
Does attaching the turbine to the main water line reduce water pressure?
It shouldn't. Most residences and commercial businesses already have pressure regulators that reduce water pressure coming in from the street. Why not have one that also produces electricity?
Does the turbine produce electricity when needed?
Because people tend to use both water and electricity when at home, the correlation of turbine electricity production and usage is higher than with solar.
