A Santa Fe, New Mexico start-up company called Bluenergy, has developed a hybrid vertical axis wind turbine that is covered with solar cells.
The 5kW Bluenergy Solarwind’s double-helix design is stated to perform at wind speeds as low as 4mph and as high as 90mph. Other performance attributes include: dual energy capture; low maintenance; and silent, safe operation for birds, humans and bats.
The blue colored photovoltaic cells are also noted to provide some measure of aesthetic appeal. The turbine stands 18′ high by 6′ wide and looks like a sculpture from some 1960’s World’s Fair.
The company appears to be pursuing financing and venture capital and given the dated nature of the info on their website I would hazard a guess that this may just remain a very interesting concept for the foreseeable future.
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