Wind turbine update

Thanks to Barb who suggested that wind turbines need a lot of yearly maintenance. Based on her comment, we continued to talk and research and we finally got the low-down yesterday from a local renewable energy contractor who definitely put our plans to rest (as in RIP).

No deal. The most we can expect to get is 100 - 150 kWH. It would take multiples of decades to recoop the cost that way. That isn't even factoring in the yearly maintenance.

I feel like we just saved $15K+.

THANKS BARB!!!

We were accepted to the Farm Beginnings class!

Considering a wind turbine

Bill and I were at the Illinois Renewable Energy Fair a few weeks ago. We stumbled across a wind turbine vendor who gave us some interesting information. There is a 30% rebate right (off of your tax liability) on renewable energy. I thought turbines were in the neighborhood of $65K+ but it turns out you can put one up that directly grid tied for less than $15K (pre-rebate). We arranged for a site inspection and are awaiting a final quote, but I confess that we are considering it. I will have to run the numbers and see what our payback would be, but if we could essentially be producing our own energy - that is a pretty enticing thought! (We use very little energy - no A/C, efficient lighting, etc. but I will need a couple of refrigerators and freezers at the farm.) Our initial calculations show that it could pay for itself in 10 years.

If anyone has information or experience, I would love to hear them.