Backyard Wind Turbines from DC Energy Innovators

4/18/09: When thinking about wind turbines, the first image that used to come to mind was of barren fields covered with leviathan towers, their swirling blades the size of airplane wings. Imagine my surprise when I saw the personal turbines of DC Energy Innovators, which not only fit inside the building, but are gaining popularity for backyard use! Jim Lynch and James Lang were manning DC's table at this year's Vermont Home and Garden Show, and were kind enough to give me some more information.

 

DC Energy Innovations specializes in the sale and installation of turbines made by the Bergey Windpower company, whose compact models (“micro-turbines”) are aimed towards off-the-grid homes in the US, advancing electric utillities in developing nations, and for improving pre-existing wind power systems. These turbines can store electricity in DC batteries, or have the energy wired into the building where it's needed. Also, in net metering, it is possible to sell unused electricity back to local utilities. However, that may require a little specialized wiring to prevent the turbine from sending electricity through what repairmen may think is a “dead” wire during a blackout. The wind turbines are delivered as kits and can be assembled fairly quickly- in about a week, according to Lang.

Still, Lynch cautioned that small wind turbines were not for everybody, as the typical cost of the kit and installation can run up to $50,000. However, the state of Vermont and the federal government have renewable energy incentives which can take some of the bite out of the cost. For farmers, there's a total of $20,000 in credits available for going for renewable energy, and $12,500 for homeowners. On top of this, the IRS offers a tax credit of $500 per half kilowatt generated by small wind systems.

As for environmental issues, Lang thinks that there's a growing concern about green energy while keeping energy costs affordable to the average person. Lynch believed that the appeal of wind power had more to do with energy independence. “It's a gradual evolution,” noted Lynch. Both men agreed, though, that as more incentives become available, the interest in DC Energy Innovations' services will increase.

DC Energy Innovations is based in North Hero, VT. To learn more about them, visit www.dceivt.com
For another story on how backyard turbines are progressing, visit http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/01/13/backyard-wind-turbines-gain-traction/