Friday, July 17 2009
Windmill Saves Owners 25 Percent of Energy
Homeowners who want to go green and are looking for a source of alternative energy might consider the Windspire by Mariah Power. The 1.2 kilowatt-producing mini-windmill can cut a typical household’s energy use by 25 percent in an area where the wind speed averages 12 mph. In urban Raleigh, N.C., near where the Windspire is being reviewed at North Carolina State University, the turbine will produce only 5 percent to 10 percent of a household’s energy, says Brian Miles, a wind energy specialist at N.C. State’s Solar Center. The Windspire costs $6,500, plus $4,000 for installation. Federal tax incentives will help cut the out-of-pocket cost. Many states also offer tax incentives. While there are other small wind turbines on the market, the Windspire has attracted attention because it is in use in both commercial and residential areas. George Bates of Chesapeake, Va., had two of the 30-foot-tall spires installed at his Chesapeake, Va., home. He says they are inaudible and “just an incredible piece of equipment.” Source: The News & Observer, John Murawski (07/14/2009) Comments:
| |||||||
 |
