Wind Power Gaining Power

[diysolar]

At least a half-dozen Massachusetts cities, towns, or colleges are trying to build wind turbines to temper the rising costs of electricity. Eleven other communities are testing wind conditions to determine whether it would be worthwhile to build wind turbines, and nine more are looking for test tower sites, according to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, which is helping communities launch the projects. Thirty-six other municipalities have expressed some interest in wind power, according to the collaborative.

''Any one project will make only a small difference," said Warren Leon, director of the Renewable Energy Trust, a division of the collaborative. ''But if five years from now there are community wind projects up in 15 or 20 communities across the state, collectively that will make a meaningful difference. On average, each project will probably generate enough electricity for close to 1,000 people."

Unlike the offshore wind project proposed for picturesque Nantucket Sound, most of the projects generate only limited opposition, probably because the projects are small and often remote. Hull is planning to build a second wind turbine on a landfill; Lynn, by its waste-water treatment plant; and Ipswich, near a transfer station.

All of the proposals would be dwarfed by the wind farm planned off the Cape and Islands: Cape Wind Associates wants to generate up to 428 megawatts of power, compared to 3.3 megawatts for Orleans' two windmills.

Cape Wind's turbines are proposed at 417 feet tall, compared to the 148-foot turbine the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 built near the Southeast Expressway in Dorchester.

Despite their delays, Cape Wind officials are thrilled to see smaller projects advance, in hope they will lessen fear of the unknown. ''From our standpoint, it's always helpful when wind turbines are erected elsewhere," said spokesman Mark Rodgers. ''Familiarity breeds greater acceptance."

Opponents of the controversial project argue that Cape Wind will always be different because it is proposed offshore and is being developed privately.

''The Cape Wind project is a site that's really driven by the developer to maximize profit, rather than being driven by the public interest," said Audra Parker, assistant director of the opposition group called the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. ''There's a huge difference in scale between these municipally driven projects and the Cape Wind project, which is 24 square miles and 130 turbines."

Read more at [url]http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/02/24/wind_turbines_gaining_power/[/url]

[Pajduska]

It's encouraging to hear about communities across the country taking the first steps toward green energy, and I enjoy reading the stories of how they are accomplishing it. But what can an individual do to go green? I live in a rural area, and I dream of having a single small wind turbine to power my home. I'm relatively new to the area and to green living, so I have no network or contacts. Are there places to get reconditioned used turbines? Any suggestions or advice?

[diysolar]

Hi

Green energy is really the way of the future, now wind energy more specificaly is cost effective and if you are in the right location then it might be the right power supply for you.

Before you can decides which renewable energy source you want to use, you have to first figure out what power source your location permits. To utilize the power of wind energy you'll need to have a few tests done on your property to ensure that you have ample wind speeds to turn your wind turbine. You can actually purchase a small anemometer online which enables you to test this.

Are you located in a windy location and what is your current electrical bill?

Let me know and I can see what other information I might be able to provide you with.

[AdMan]

We're located on the prairies with lots of wind.

I can't imagine putting wind power in my back yard though. What would the neighbours think!

Seriously.. that's a good point about permission from the local government. I never even thought about having to get a permit for using this type of energy.

[diysolar]

Now on the discussion of wind energy in your back yard... Depending on where you live and what your property layout is, you can easily support a wind generator without having to worrie about neighbors complaining.

I know several customers that have wind energy on their property and haven't have any complaints by the neighbors, the smaller turbines are actually kinda cool and don't take up that much space. Its the larger wind farms that people get confused with. If anyone has images on their own wind turbines in action, post them on the gallery section. Thanks.

[Pajduska]

I'm in southeast Iowa. I have a couple of acres in the country, sort of on a hill. There always seems to be at least a little wind. I have no close neighbors, so there's no one to complain. My community is very green-minded, and I don't think there are any ordinances that affect me where I am. Where can I learn about small wind generators? My electric bill is low compared to many - ranging from about $30 in the winter to around $100 in summer.
Jo

[Admin]

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Here is some info that might help!