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Tall turbines send energy costs falling
By REBECCA NIEMINEN SLOAN
KINSMAN
Rural Trumbull County is a patchwork of open fields and family farms, historical homes and weathered red barns. It hasn’t changed much over the years and is a picture of tradition and predictability.
That’s until you spot a giant wind turbine, its white blades whipping rhythmically in the breeze, its mighty, modern presence towering sleekly high over the country barns and outbuildings.
The unexpected sight sparks speculation and curiosity.
What exactly is the wind turbine used for? How does one go about acquiring one? What are the benefits and drawbacks?
Dr. David Harnett, who recently installed two 120-foot wind turbines on his state Route 7 farm in Kinsman, said curious passers-by have nearly driven into the ditch as they’ve turned their heads to look.
“People stop in weekly to inquire about the wind turbines,” he said. “The turbines stir a lot of curiosity. People want to know what they are for and if they might benefit from one themselves.”
Dr. Harnett uses his turbines to generate electricity for his farm.
Since his turbines are relatively new, he is still determining the benefits of owning one, but he hopes the wind turbines will reduce his electric bill by 60 to 70 percent.
Robert Miller, of W. I. Miller and Sons in Gustavus, said the 120-foot wind turbine on his family’s Gardner-Barclay Road grain farm was added in February 2011 in an effort to “go green” and reduce the farm’s hefty electric bill.
“The wind turbine generates electricity – about 30 to 40 percent of what we use,” he explained. “We do something called net metering. With net metering if the wind turbine produces more power than what we use, it goes back into the power grid.”
With net metering, the excess energy can be turned into a credit toward the electric bill because the turbine essentially is able to make the meter turn backward when it’s windy.
When the wind stops, power is once again taken from the utility company.
Dr. Harnett also uses net metering.
Both Dr. Harnett and the Millers acquired their wind turbines from SUREnergy in Sandusky, with help from grants offered by the US Department of Agriculture and The Ohio Department of Development.
The installed cost of a SUREnergy wind turbine can range from about $40,000 for small wind turbines to $950,000 for larger or community-wind turbines.
“The price range depends upon the size of the turbine,” Miller said. “You can apply for grants and a federal tax credit.”
Dr. Harnett said you can also write off the wind turbine as a business expense on your taxes.
Although the Millers and Harnett own large farms, you don’t have to own one to qualify.
“There are grants available for most small turbines, although it can be tough to get them. You don’t have to own a farm, but you do have to have adequate property, and you can’t buy a turbine so big that it produces more electricity than you can use on an annual basis,” Miller explained.
Since the Millers’ turbine is also fairly new, he and his family are still determining how pleased they are with it.
“Obviously, we are dependent upon Mother Nature to create wind, and here in Northeast Ohio it often isn’t windy enough for the turbine to produce as much energy as we need it to,” he said.
He said he is also displeased with unexpected charges from the electric company.
“We’re still not sure if it was a good move,” he said, adding, “Anyone who is interested in getting a wind turbine should investigate utility company tariffs and charges that may seem hidden.”
Michael Carnahan, design/operations manager at Scalo Solar Solutions in Pittsburgh, a company that specializes in renewable energy, said people who are considering a wind turbine must do their homework first and carefully examine their reasons for investing in one.
“If you want to be energy conscious and support renewable alternatives then a wind turbine might make sense. However, if your reasons are financial, small wind turbines may not pay for themselves over time.
“Larger, community wind turbines generally make a better investment. An expert like a member of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners can look at your bill and assess your usage and determine if your property is suitable for a wind turbine.”
Dr. Harnett agreed that investing in a wind turbine is a big decision that involves a lot of homework.
“I don’t think it’s for everyone. You have to look at your circumstances grant-wise and tax-wise, and it’s something you have to investigate thoroughly,” he said.
Wind turbines operate quietly – they’re about as loud as a refrigerator – and have a lifespan of about 20 years.
Wind turbine retailers typically perform routine inspections every year to make sure turbines are operating properly.
The output of a wind turbine depends on the turbine’s size and the wind’s speed through the rotor.