I have been working 'round the clock lately and havne't had much time to post new articles. I came across this recent Chicago Tribune article on-line and thought I would share it.
Highland Park homeowner installs wind turbine on his roof
Lisa Black
July 28, 2009
The wind turbine saves Doug Snower $10 to $15 monthly on electricity bills. (Photo by Andrew A. Nelles, Chicago Tribune / July 27, 2009)
Doug Snower's neighbors in Highland Park stared hard when the silver and blue wind turbine first appeared on his garage roof.
While it could pass for a kinetic sculpture, the shiny, spinning device he installed a few weeks ago has generated low-voltage electricity and a steady hum of conversation.
Unlike the monstrous bladed commercial turbines that have drawn controversy over their noise and environmental impact, Snower's gadget is a quiet and modest 600-watt affair, working alongside a solar panel to supply a bank of four batteries. He uses it to power his electric lawn mower, the family's laptops, phones, cameras and a small fridge.
Snower figures he saves about $10 to $15 monthly on electricity bills and is eligible for a 30 percent rebate on federal income taxes. But he intended the $5,000 investment as more of an educational tool for his teen daughters -- as well as for curious passersby.
"At least six neighbors have come to look," said Snower, an architectural photographer who plans to serve as a Midwest distributor for the turbine's Chinese supplier.
He and his wife, Shari, added on to their house two years ago with the greenest of intentions. They are still experimenting with a partial grass roof to conserve water, a wood-burning masonry fireplace for heating and a natural air ventilation system.
About a week after Snower installed his turbine, ComEd workers replaced a transformer across the street.
"I've got them running scared," he said with a megawatt smile.
