One of the big advantages of VAWT is that they can operate in very little wind, from almost any direction, so the bus stop was no surprise. The key is not trying to get XX-Kw from them although in open space in proper locations they can. Ultimately, winds are more constant at higher settings >60' but can be more violent as well. Horizontal Roof top systems are being deployed in the larger cities on tall building but they would also be valuable on single family roof tops at around 35'. By having several smaller ones distributed one could ultimately tie them together for KW type power, but it's the flexibility of sub systems, that appeals to me. For instance a relatively small one could run a well pump with a small charging system and small battery bank. One other thought/consideration for distributed systems is to generate 3ph AC, at a higher voltage which can be transmitted much further to a central conversion/storage system for more local usage. If we could only develop a way to store AC efficiently, now that would be something!

They are also generally quieter than conventional blade turbines because of the blade shear and tip velocity, I think...and less likely to catch birds off guard.

~PJ