Add It Up: Eco-bling
August 27, 2007 at 10:35 am by Andisheh Nouraee in NewsCost of Skystream 3.7 power-generating wind turbine atop a 45-foot tower installed by Mann family in Grant Park: $15,000
Average wind speed Skystream 3.7 turbine requires for “best results,†according to manufacturer: 12 mph
Average wind speed in Atlanta, according to U.S. Department of Energy wind maps: 0-9.8 mph
Size of “unobstructed†property Skystream 3.7 requires to work, according to manufacturer: 0.5 acre
Size of Grant Park neighborhood residential lot on which Skystream 3.7 was erected: 0.1618 acre
Amount of electricity Skystream 3.7 could produce on an ideal site in Atlanta: 0.15 kilowatts per hour
Amount of electricity saved by replacing two 100 watt light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs: 0.15 kilowatts per hour
Cost of 23 watt Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Bulb at Lowe’s closest to Grant Park: $7.27.
Sources: AJC, Southwest Windpower, Fulton Board Of Assessors, U.S. Department of Energy, TreesYesTowersNo.org, Lowe’s
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August 27th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Economics is not the only reason people invest in renewables. Ask yourself a question, what are the economics of a Rolex as compared to a Timex?
Here is something to think about - Rather than NIMBY, think SIMBY “Start in My Back Yard”. Everyone must do their part now if we are to keep our world an inhabitable place. Perhaps Skystream in this neighboorhood will act as a reminder for everyone else on that drives by to go down to Lowes and buy some Mini Twist Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. That way they can be part of the solution rather than complaining.
Andy Kruse
Southwest Windpower
August 27th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
>>Ask yourself a question, what are the economics of a Rolex as compared to a Timex?
So, it is eco-bling. Thanks for clearing that up.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
“Everyone must do their part now if we are to keep our world an inhabitable place”
Like erect costly yet nearly useless lawn ornaments? This power of symbolism poop is easy to espouse when the monolithic structure isn’t in YOUR backyard, Mr. Southwest Windpower. It’s not okay.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I wonder how much it would’ve cost to erect a billboard in the yard in order to rent out to proponents of compact fluorescent bulbs….
August 30th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Why do you (Andy Kruse) characterize people who disagree with you as complainers? Why do you think that I’m not part of the solution? It’s going to take a lot more than buying compact fluorescents to solve the energy and environmental issues that our planet faces.
Your rhetoric is kind of pathetic.
If the owners that you sold this device to were interested in being part of the solution, they’d be buying green energy from our local utility, rather than alienating their community and sinking their money into something that has a net harmful impact on the environment. They’ve reportedly spent $15,000 plus attorney fees that they could have used to do something effective.
Their best hope for getting energy out of this device is for global warming to continue to worsen. Then weather changes will likely result in more wind. Until then, or unless they move it to a more suitable site, the blades just sit there, still, forlorn, not moving.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Hey Andy,
You’re funny. Hilarious. I guess you’re confirming that the Manns shouldn’t expect payback for “over twenty years”.
Why is the Skystream warranty only 20 years?
People here ought to read your interview at http://www.beyondfossilfuel.com/windpower/kruse.html
9: What is the average return on investment when purchasing a wind turbine?
This depends on three factors – Installed cost; wind speed average at the site and cost of electricity from the utility. The payback period ranges from about four years to over twenty. On average it is about 12 years before any rebates. We know in time this will continue to improve but in the mean time, we are actively working with Congress to create investment tax incentives for residential scale wind to reduce the cost up front.
I know it’s not about economics. It’s completely reasonable to ask your neighbors to put up with this intrusion just because you can.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:17 am
According to reports, today’s 60-mph winds are knocking out power in various places throughout the metro area.
I wonder how the Mann family is doing?
January 30th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Damn good question. Georgia Power employees were reported sawing down the Mann’s turbine last night — ALLEGEDLY!