Wind & SolarPower Combinations
I used a Wind Generator plus 4 Solar Panels on my boats for years with very good results. Never had flat batteries or was without electrical power. Ran a frig, TV, Satillite system, lights, computer, autopilot, GPS,etc. with no problem. Used 4-banks of 2-ea, 6 volt wet-cell, deep cycle United States Marine batteries. Connected each bank with 3- 1,2, all battery selectors with a selectrable LED voltage indicator. Had a 1000 watt inverter for the 110 volt requirements, otherwise, used 12 volt system for lights and frig. Made the fridge box (9 cu/ft) out of 1" Poly sheathing, epoxied together and used a 12 volt compressor system commonly used in boats and RV's. This system was used in 3 different boats that I owned and lived aboard continuously for some 6 years, moving the system from boat to boat. Used a Marine NEC voltage regulater to prevent overcharging by the Wind Generater and Solar Panels. Wind generator was Aeromarine, manufactured in Phoenix AZ and sold by West Marine.
It is my opinion that such a system is viable here in the DR if one can find the materials with which to do all that is required. Wind generation, except along the Coasts is probmatical, however, since most of the DR is "Wind-shadowed" by the extensive mountain ranges that exist. Solar power would be a viable alternative, and if near a fast running stream, use of water powered generation would be a viable addition to the system.
If i ever build in the DR, this is the system I will use andwill convert the entire house to a 12-volt system using # 6 stranded, Marine wiring. More expensive initially, but will last forever since the wire is silvered and sheathed. Also will use soldered connectors instead of the"crimp-type" for better continuity. I would use NiCad batteries if I knew of a facillity here in the DR which could reliably discharge, deep-cycle and re-charge. Since I don't know of any, I'd stick to the6-volt, deep-cycle, Marine variety (US Manufactured), or the commercially available 2-volt variety.
Texas Bill