Prepared Pet
Residential Wind Generators
I was watching a program that covered residential wind generators. I was surprised, I hadn't really condsidered one. The starting price was $1800.00, not including installation. Hmm, $1800.00 seems like a lot of money. But wait, how much was I spending on electicity every month? My bill runs $80 - $130 a month. In a year, I probably spend $1800.00, just in 12 month installments. And that doesn't include the natural gas bill. I really had too many questions to seriously consider it. Was there enough wind in my area? What about those lovely covenants and HOA's? Let's not forget state, city and county zoning laws. Turns out that the dealers already have all of this info. They know about any permit process you may need. You can check wind maps to see if it makes sense. Dealers can also figure out what size or type would work best. Many states, cities and rural areas are setting up rebates and incentives to take the sting out of the price tag. Let's face it, is the cost of energy going to go down? $100.00 a barrel crude isn't even comphrehensable. (Update: Boy was I shocked in 2008!!) I was thinking about the rolling brownouts in the west and the complete blackouts in the east. I would like to add quality links and good, informative articles on wind generators. The larger the market for residential wind generators, the larger the selection will be. You can call a dealer and have them handle it from start to finish, or you can go with a do it yourself kit and your local electrician.
Commercially proven U.S. equipment providers*include:
Southwest Windpower Co. www.windenergy.com <http://www.windenergy.com> AIRX (400 W), Whisper 100 (900 W), Whisper 200 (1 kW), Whisper 500 (3 kW)
Wind Turbine Industries Corp. www.windturbine.net <http://www.windturbine.net>23-10 Jacobs (10 kW), 31-20 Jacobs (20 kW)
Abundant Renewable Energy
22700 NE Mountain Top Rd.
Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 538-8298 Fax: (503) 538-8782
E-mail: info@abundantre.com <mailto:info@abundantre.com>
Web: www.abundantre.com <http://www.abundantre.com>
Contact: Robert Preus
ARE wind generators are as strong as they come. Designed for harsh climates, they are built simply and ruggedly to quietly last. ARE machines have a large swept area to capture more wind and produce more energy, especially in low wind speeds. These machines produce energy in the winds you get, day in and day out……Power when you need it, not just in storms. ARE manufactures the ARE110 (2.5KW), the ARE442 (10KW), as well as a variety of tower types and sizes.
Bergey Windpower Company
2001 Priestley Avenue
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 364-4212 Fax: (405) 364-2078
E-mail:
sales@bergey.com <mailto:sales@bergey.com>Web: <http://www.bergey.com>
Contact: Steve Wilke
Established in 1977, Bergey Windpower manufactures highly reliable wind energy systems with ratings up to 10 kW. BWC wind turbines have earned a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and reliability and they incorporate the most advanced technology in the industry. They are used for on-grid and off-grid applications such as distributed generation (home, farm, etc.), telecommunications, village electrification, and wind-electric water pumping. Bergey generators are successfully operating in all types of environments from Alaska to Saudi Arabia, in all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 other countries around the world. They may also be used in hybrid systems with photovoltaic cells and diesel generator sets. Complete systems, systems components, engineering services, installations and training can be provided. BWC has a manufacturing and sales subsidiary in China and a technology licensee in Australia.
Distributed Energy Systems
182 Mad River Park
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-2955
Email:pmattila@northernpower.com <mailto:pmattila@northernpower.com>
Web: www.distributed-energy.com <http://www.distributed-energy.com>
Contact:Peter Mattila
Distributed Energy Systems(previously known as Northern Power Systems), builds, and installs flexible and reliable on-site and integrated power systems that provide commercial, industrial, and government customers with an invaluable asset: power independence. An open technology provider of power solutions, Northern draws upon its 30 years of experience to blend appropriate energy sources - wind, sunlight, hydrogen, biogas, natural gas and oil with state-of-the-art controls and power electronics in systems tailored to each customer's unique needs.
Entegrity Wind Systems
PO Box 832
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7L9 Canada
Ph: (902)-368-7171
Email: info@entegritywind.com <mailto:%20info@entegritywind.com>
Web: www.entegritywind.com <http://www.entegritywind.com>
Contact: Carmen MacIntyre
Entegrity Wind Systems, Inc. (EWSI) is the manufacturer and distributor of the EW15 wind system, a very reliable 50kW wind turbine, which is particularly suited to wind-hybrid applications in which the power is used directly by the end-user customer. The EW15 is ideal for use by farms, schools, industrial businesses, and municipal waste water treatment facilities in grid tied applications. For remote communities the EW15 can be incorporated into a utility system to provide power to the small villages and towns. The EW15 is a significantly advanced version of the former AOC 15/50. The EW15 can be expected to deliver between 150,000-200,000 kWh per year, depending on the wind regime at the site. The expected useful life of the EW15 is 30 years. EWSI, located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has operated successfully since the current management assumed control of the former Atlantic Orient Corporation in 2002.
Energy Maintenance Service, LLC
129 Main Avenue, PO Box 158
Gary, SD 57237
(605) 272-5398 Fax (605) 272-5402
Email: steve@energyms.com <mailto:steve@energyms.com>
Web: www.energyms.com <http://www.energyms.com>
Contact: Steve Scott
We at EMS leverage our intimate understanding of most all commercial wind turbine systems deployed in North America, new and old, as we develop products designed to enhance or replace these aging technologies and improve asset performance. Our South Dakota based remanufacturing facility and UL Certified panel shop give us complete control over all turbine remanufacturing processes leading to a higher quality finished product.
Lorax Energy
4 Airport Road
Block Island, RI 02807
(401) 466-2883 Fax: (401) 466-2909
Email: hdp@lorax-energy.com <mailto:hdp@lorax-energy.com>
Web: www.lorax-energy.com <http://www.lorax-energy.com>
Contact: Henry duPont
Lorax Energy Systems is the North American distributor for the Fuhrländer Wind Turbine Company which builds state-of-the-art wind turbines in from 25kW - 2.5 MW. These machines are suitable for wind farm, distributed generation and wind-diesel applications.
Solar Wind Works
16713 Greenlee Road,
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-4503; Fax: (530) 582-4603
Contacts: Christopher Worcester, CEO
chris@solarwindworks.com <mailto:chris@solarwindworks.com>
Jason Mills, US Sales Contact
Solar Wind Works specializes in consultation, sales design, service, and installation of turnkey Renewable Energy Power Systems. Solar Wind Works is a U.S. Distributor for Proven Wind Turbines and associated balance of system components including: towers, power conditioning equipment, monitoring systems, hardware, and energy storage and conversion devices. Whether you are utility grid-connected or grid-independent, need uninterruptible power or not, Solar Wind Works offers custom solutions for all of your energy needs by providing highly reliable power systems that integrate photovoltaics, small wind turbines, micro-hydro turbines and conventionally fueled technologies.
Southwest Windpower
P.O. Box 2190
2131 N. First Street
Flagstaff, Arizona 86003-2190
(928) 779-9463; Fax (928) 779-1485
E-mail: andy@windenergy.com <mailto:andy@windenergy.com>
Web:
<http://www.windenergy.com>Contact: Andrew Kruse
Southwest Windpower has been producing battery-charging wind turbines since 1987. To date, we have produced more than 75,000 400 to 3000 watt turbines. Applications include remote homes, water pumping and telecommunications. Recently, we released a 1 kW utility tie system. In 2004 we were presented with a design-partnership award from DOE for our new grid tied 1.8 kW turbine. In 2005, we moved into a new 28,000 sq ft facility.
Wind Turbine Industries Corporation
16801 Industrial Circle, SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 447-6064 Fax: (952) 447-6050
E-mail: wtic@windturbine.net <mailto:wtic@windturbine.net>
Web: <http://www.windturbine.net>
President: Archie J. Pavek
Manager: Steve T. Turek
The exclusive manufacturer of the Jacobs® wind energy systems since 1986, the wind plants range in size from 10kW to 20kW, with rotor sizes ranging from 23 ft. (7 m) to 29 ft. (8.8 m). These systems can provide power for a broad range of applications, which include Grid Intertie (utility bill reduction) or Hybrid battery charging (remote battery charging). The Jacobs® wind energy systems have over 70 years of history providing clean, quality, reliable and efficient power in the USA and around the world.
Well, you have glanced at the list, now what?
I had my first personal run-in with electricity since I was married 25 years ago, however; just so you know, plumbing doesn't even phase me. My dryer crapped out 2 hours after my husband, who never met anything electrical or electronic he didn't like, left town for a new job in another state. Another state that is a two day drive from Colorado. So, he agreed to talk me through the repair over the phone. First on the list was picking up an ohmmeter. Well that involved note taking from Ed, and a lengthy talk with the sales associate at the store. You see, my husband took both of the ohmmeters with him, just in case he needed them. I can now confidently interject the words Continuity, Open and Not Open into conversation. To the best of my knowledge, an upsidedown horseshoe with curly cues is an ohm, or then maybe not. Anyway, when I started reading about Wind Generators, I realized I didn't know any of the terminalogy, that is why dealers are strategically stationed around the United States. There is a lot of useful, easy to understand information out there. Money savers, now you are talking, and throw in 'good for the planet', I think that is a pretty good combination! If you have experiences with Residential Wind Generators, know of some good tips, please send them to Jean sales@preparedpet.com
What does this have to do with pets? Nothing! It has to do with making good decisions with good information in our lives. Of course I know my pets would prefer continuous heat and air conditioning for their personal comfort. Also, electricity is on my mind this week, burnt out heating elements will do that to you. Jean
Canadian Alternative Energy
Note from Jean: I contacted WSE and received a friendly and helpful reply immediately. Braydon Elliot is my contact person. They have a great website which lays out an incredible array of options and combinations of options for saving money and going green. I think this site is one of the best, check it out!
Ed Begley Jr. and Jay Leno are involved with Enviro Engergies. Check it out!
March 12, 2009
More on the American Recovery and Re-investment Act
(2009 Stimulus Package)
Home wind power is now more affordable
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 small wind tax credit by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to deduct from their tax liability 30% off the installed cost of a wind turbine. Additionally, businesses will have the option of receiving their credit in the form of a cash grant.
Q: What does this mean to me?
A: The entire cost of a system (plus installation) is reduced by 30 percent provided you have a tax liability over the course of two years. Depending on where you live, you could save even more! States have also implemented rebates for small wind systems which can be used in addition to the Federal credit. Furthermore, in the last two months alone, more than 30 states have introduced legislation that either expands incentives for renewable energy and/or addresses market barriers. Learn more at http://www.skystreamenergy.com/incentives.
Q: How does a tax credit work?
A: Typically, a tax credit is money that you can deduct from any money owed to the federal government at tax time (tax liability). The small wind tax credit can be carried over two years after the product is installed. For more information on how to take advantage of the credit, we suggest that you speak to a tax specialist.
Q: I don’t normally owe taxes – how can I claim the credit?
A: You can only claim the credit based on what you would owe in taxes (your tax liability after two years). If you do not normally receive a refund, you may want to consult with a tax specilalist to understand better what opportunities are available to you.
Q: How do I claim the credit?
A: You will be required to file the long form and itemize your deductions. The IRS form 5695 must be completed and filed with your taxes. The current form does not reflect the changes to the most recent legislation.
Q: Can someone who already owned a system claim the tax credit?
A: If you purchased a system in 2008, you qualify for the federal-level tax credit, passed as part of the October 2008 bailout legislation, up to $2,400 per wind turbine with a cap of $4000. If you purchased a system in 2008 but your dealer did not install it until 2009, ask your dealer to write a letter indicating that the wind turbine was not “commissioned” in 2008 and became operational 2009. You would qualify for the 30 percent tax incentive in your 2009 filing.
Q: What if I want to purchase and install more than one system?
A: The stimulus package allows for a 30 percent tax credit on the total cost of multiple units. There is no cap on the 30 percent tax credit. Businesses may qualify for a grant from the US Treasury in lieu of a tax credit.
Q: I heard I can get cash back rather than a tax credit – how does that work?
A: Businesses can apply for a grant from the US Treasury and rather than a tax credit, receive a cash grant. The details are still being worked out but should be in place by April or May. Keep in touch with your dealer or the manufacturer for more information.
Q: Does this work for all small wind systems, even Whisper and Air Breeze?
A: Yes. The incentive is available to all users of small wind systems.
Where to Buy
With today's technology, small wind power is finally within reach. Your local dealer makes the process easy. The dealer can help with incentives, permitting and zoning, and will handle all aspects of the installation, so you can relax and know it is done right. or call 928-779-9463. Skystream website: www.skystreamenergy.com
Southwest Windpower
info@windenergy.com <mailto:info@windenergy.com >
928-779-9463
I've started a forum for anyone interested in Wind Generators. Please visit and post your questions, experiences and and any knowledge you have on the subject.
