BOSTON — With concern over global warming growing, the search is on for alternatives. NewsCenter 5’s Amalia Barreda reported Wednesday that private windmills are starting to sprout. Experts said such a windmill would cost $12,000 to $15,000 to install, and depending on the wind it could generate anywhere from 40 to 80 percent of a private home’s energy needs. Skystream was installed in Hull, where the first of two much larger wind turbines began powering streetlights, traffic lights and some homes five years ago. Hull Municipal Light said Skystream will generate more than enough power to light the Weir River Estuary Center, where the staff will educate visitors about clean energy and the little windmill out back.

“Clean energy is here and available today, and we’re proving it in Hull,” renewable energy expert Andrew Stern said.

Mark Durrenberger, who just started his own business installing private windmills, said the biggest obstacle is getting permits, but the interest, he said, is there.

“A lot of people are concerned about the environment. A lot of people are concerned about the greenhouse gases. This is a relatively inexpensive way to get started doing something good for that,” Durrenberger said.

As soon as it was up and running, a remote control indicated Skystream was generating about one-third of its 1,800-watt capacity — enough to power three good-sized TVs. Energy experts said one of these could mean a savings of up to $1,500 a year for an average house.

Experts predict 6 percent of all U.S. households will have one in their back yard by 2020.

Boston Channel.com – Boston, MA, USA
WCVB-TV Boston
January 31, 2007
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/10891764/detail.html