Installation Guide

SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER DOCUMENT 0228 REV A
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Introduction
This tower kit is designed specifically for the Southwest Windpower “AIR” 303 and 403 wind
turbines. To our knowledge this is the most economical and user friendly tower kit available for
the “AIR” wind turbines. Guy wire supported construction allows the use of lightweight tubing
while providing plenty of strength for all but hurricane conditions. Two people can easily erect a
tower with this kit in an hour or so. Since the turbine and the tower kit are light in weight, no
winches, vehicles or beasts of burden are needed to erect the tower. All that is required is a little
bit of “elbow grease”. We recommend that at least two people be present when the tower is
raised, although it is conceivable that a single person could actually raise a tower on their own.
The AIR tower kit includes a simple yet effective elbow/tee for its base. Combined with a short
length of tubing this type of base eliminates the need for a concrete pad, base plate and a swivel
for the base of the tower.
A simple extruded aluminum, coupling clamp allows the use of a wide selection of different kinds
of tubing, depending on availability, site requirements and customer preference. Threaded
coupling points are eliminated, allowing lighter materials to be used with the same or greater
strength than a threaded pipe tower. Pre-cut and swaged guy wires eliminate wire measuring and
cutting.
We believe this kit and assembly method is the easiest way possible to put the “AIR” wind
module up in the air. Thank you for purchasing our products and for your interest in renewable
energy. We expect that you will enjoy the benefits of your wind powered electrical system for
many years to come. If, after reading this manual, you have any further questions please contact
your local dealer or Southwest Windpower and we will do our best to assist you.
Safe Installation
Safety is the most important consideration to take into account when installing a tower and
wind turbine. It is very important to remember that any wind turbine has high speed spinning
parts and can be very dangerous if not installed properly! Be sure that the tubing or pipe used for
the tower is of adequate strength, that all bolted connections are tight and that the guy wire
anchors are suitable for your soil conditions. All of these elements are explained in further detail
later in this manual. Important! Choose a very calm day to do your installation. A gust of
wind at the wrong moment could cause A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT!
PLEASE….READ ALL OF THIS MANUAL BEFORE DOING ANYTHING !
27 Foot Tower Kit Parts List
Your tower kit includes: Quantity
Tower Base 1