rbine offers energy independence Skeldale Farm has no neig bors, and even in the summer or "I abhor the term 11 people live along Mr. Bea road, SO there has not been a 'tree hugger." local opposition of the kind that sometimes associated with t - Richard Beal erection of wind turbines. T American Wind Energy Associ 12-27-07 tion reports that there have be a breakdown of wind-resource po- no major studies of the impact tential across the state. Everything small wind energy systems 4 south of Mount Desert Island is in birdlife, but anecdotal eviden wind zone 4-5, which according to suggests that birds run into wi the DOE means good to excellent towers as often as any other stru ture, and incidents of death a wind-power potential. The outer islands are especially well suited to rare. According to Mr. Beal, ever wind power generation because of one he has talked to about his pro the open sea and lack of nearby ect has been supportive of the ide high elevations that can negatively "I am going to more than me affect wind speeds. The type of my energy needs and the tu wind generator must be matched bine is capable of generating mo to the wind zone and conditions of than that," he said, His arrang the site. ment with Bangor Hydro mea Mr. Beal hired engineer John that his bills are canceled, b Rush of Newport to help with the under Maine law, unlike ma turbine project. Using Internet re- other states, the additional pow sources and books, he investigated the turbine generates cannot different types of turbines and sold back to the power company. Mr. Beal received no financi found one that matched his needs, incentives or tax breaks from t a model made by a French com- pany called EOLTEC and distrib- state or federal government to i stall the turbine. He would like uted in the United States by Massa- chusetts-based renewable energy see a tax advantage given for su cooperative hotoVoltaics Squared. projects, similar to ones provide It was ideal for the high wind for solar power or putting in mo conditions of Great Cranberry be- insulation, as he did last year. I cause of its unique design, incor- feels strongly that the state ener porating blades with variable pitch, system needs reform, contrastir that allow the turbine to withstand it to Wisconsin, which provides i centives and where the utili high wind speeds without shutting down or stressing the supporting companies buy power from ind structure. viduals who generate it then selves. His turbine produced full Mr. Beal is adamant that his d power at wind speeds of 22 to 24 mph, and as the wind increases, cision was not inspired by the r the angle of the blades is adjusted cent surge in environmentalis: or feathered, allowing them to and interest in so-called "green" i work in wind speeds of up to 120 sues. "I abhor the term 'tree hu PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD BEAL mph with no damage. Mr. Beal ger," he said. This wind turbine owned by Richard Beal on Great Cranberry said the turbine made it through a To him it just makes sense. T Dec. 16 storm that produced gusts Island is already providing electricity. payoff will be over the long terr of up to 82 mph with no problems. but he will no longer be depende Still, "I was out there in the rain and buying expensive parts. "There sure I could go to bed at night and on the energy companies and h were a lot of additional costs that making sure it was still going," he it would still be standing in the power supply will be consistent. said. you don't normally think of," said morning," he said. Mr. Beal feels that the win Mr. Beal. They included $760 for He hired contractors including turbine will be worth th The total cost of the project was about $65,000. Living on an outer turnbuckles to tighten. the guy John Goodwin for concrete and headaches. He hopes that his e wires holding up the tower and island meant he had to bring in Whitney Electric of Trenton. ample may be an incentive to otl shackles at $35 each. "I wanted to materials and equipment by barge, Despite the collaboration of ers living on outer islands to tal do it correctly and be able to have in addition to other costs including others, this is Mr. Beal's baby. "It a second look at their energy suj concrete anchors, clearing land, confidence in its ability to stay up was my money so I made the deci- ply situations and perhaps con in a high-wind area. I had to make sions and did the homework," he sider undertaking similar pro said. ects. "Instead of buying a fan When asked if he thinks the pickup truck, install a wind tui high price of installation means bine," Mr. Beal said. "My true that a similar project wouldn't be loses value every year I have it. M feasible for most people, he said wind turbines will add it." "no." news@mdislander.com