Five Windspire wind-and-solar hybrid turbines were installed in August 2010 on a hill behind the township hall in Genoa, Michigan. The 30-ft tall turbines are each rated for 1.2 kW, a total of 6 kW. System experts expect its 9.5 kW total output to provide about 20% of the hall’s electrical needs.
Installation costs for such equipment as the Windspire wind turbine ranges between $9,000 and $12,000, not including tax credits.
On a windy or sunny day when the township hall is not in use, the energy conversion may generate more power than the hall needs. In these circumstances power will be fed back to the electrical grid. A net meter will spin backwards paying the township for energy produced. At an average wind speed of 12 mph —high for this part of the state— one turbine will produce 2000 kWh per year, which is 25% of the energy usage for an average home. Turbine designers say the useful life for these systems in more than 20 years.
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth Bureau of Energy Systems awarded the township an Energy Efficiency Block Grant for $94,919, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The township received $8,800 in personnel and contractual services from the project.
The Windspire wind turbine is manufactured in Manistee, Michigan with domestic materials. The rotors are made of recycled aircraft-grade extruded aluminum. Contractor’s Building Supply Inc., a local company, completed the installation.
Windspire
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