October 11, 2010

Waldt Renewables, a division of Waldt Construction, is pleased to announce the installation of the first residential wind turbine on the Outer Banks. The Windspire™  vertical axis turbine will make its residential Outer Banks debut at the home of Gene and Martha Sutton in Point Harbor on the Currituck Sound.

The sculptural and quiet Windspire turbine will allow Gene and Martha to produce clean, wind energy to offset the demand from their home. Using the near constant wind coming from the Northeast and Southwest depending on the season, the Suttons plan on seeing energy offsets greater than the estimated annual production seen at 12 mph of 2800 kWh per year. That’s more than a third of the average household consumption as documented by the Department of Energy.

For Gene and Martha, both retired but working in second careers, the cost of installing a Windspire was well within reach. They were attracted to lowering their energy bill now and protecting themselves against increasing energy costs. And they had other altruistic reasons. “We felt that it is important to have a visible symbol of our commitment to the future. By installing a renewable energy power source we feel that we are doing our part for the stewardship of this beautiful place where we have chosen to live. There is a greater need here than seeing an immediate financial benefit, “stated Mrs. Sutton.

“We knew that the Windspire was the perfect solution for us. It was approved with ease by Currituck County under their wind ordinance. Our neighbors have participated and approved our installation. There is a great deal of curiosity about wind power and its potential for homeowners on the Outer Banks,” offered Gene Sutton, homeowner.

Waldt Renewables is the eastern North Carolina dealer for the Windspire wind turbine. Waldt Renewables also provides the latest and most efficient alternative energy options for residential, commercial or institutional projects. For more information, call 252.491.2204 or email renewables@waldt.com.

Waldt Renewables is a division of Waldt Construction, the residential, commercial and institutional builder of choice for more than 25 years on the Outer Banks and throughout Eastern North Carolina. Waldt differentiate itself through clear and honest communication. Waldt is committed to quality construction, delivered on time in a safe and professional manner.

For more information about Windspire see  www.windspireenergy.com.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/28/meet-the-2010-macarthur-g_n_742001.html#s146135

or video of John Dabiri interview on YouTube:

John Dabiri and Windspire

This is part of the process that they must go through in order to raise the rates. Notification of all customers, holding public hearings (Manteo, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse) to receive the testimony of public witness. I believe the translation of this is we will sit and listen to you for an hour or two if it will mean more money for us.

The main reason for the request for increase are changes in the cost of fuel.

To see the full letter click here Dominion Rate Increase Notification.

This will not be the last rate increase. Do something to increase your energy efficiency… whether increasing insulation, changing that leaky window, using more efficient appliances and making it a practice to conserve energy. Installing a renewable energy solution is a good long term investment against rising energy costs. Its time we all change our habits, so we won’t be using our money to fill Dominion’s Piggy bank.

you can visit this Windspire at the Botanical Gardens adjacent to Capitol Hill.

It goes on to suggest that our culture is partially to blame… for example, scrimping or being frugal is not culturally celebrated. As the nation with the fourth largest land mass at our disposal, we have not been predisposed to being conservationists with natural resources. Having said that, I think those of us that live here on the Outer and Inner Banks are far more aware of how our actions effect our environment.

I don’t necessary agree with all the opinions, but it is an interesting article to read and consider. Find it here at:

Why Green Has Such a Tough Time in America

Say hello to another wind turbine addition to the Outer Banks. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03cBDCmhEM.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park just installed a Bergey 10kW Wind turbine behind the visitor center. She’s a beauty.

Waldt Construction worked with the local Bergey dealer, Jay Hart, to install this turbine. Stop by the park to check it out!

We have planted a butterfly garden under the Windspire!

Waldt Renewables, a division of Waldt Construction, is pleased to announce the installation of a Windspire ™ vertical axis wind turbine at its corporate offices located 8754 Caratoke Highway in Harbinger. The public is invited to attend a “launch” of the turbine on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11 a.m.

The 2600 kWh anticipated annual energy production from this wind turbine will offset energy demand at the building at a potential cost savings of $234.00 annually. It will also allow Waldt to take commercial tax credits up to 65% from the state and federal government. 

“Waldt Construction has installed this wind turbine as a visible symbol of our commitment to renewable energy. We want to be on the cutting edge of the new economy for northeastern North Carolina,” states Bridge McDowell, Waldt Construction’s President. “By establishing Waldt Renewables as a line of business to serve renewable energy customers in the residential, commercial and institutional markets, we intend to grow as an educational resource and as a business.”

The Windspire is a 30 foot, vertical wind turbine whose blades are arranged as a cylinder around a central pole. This design allows the Windspire to maximize lower and turbulent wind for energy creation.  Its holistic design incorporates an inverter so that the energy harvested is converted within to AC power within the unit, lowering equipment and ongoing maintenance costs. Data from the inverter about energy production is sent via wifi so that system owners can see benefits. Similar to solar systems, generating wind energy is scalable with the installation of several turbines together, creating a wind garden effect. And, especially valuable in this high wind environment, the Windspire can be tipped down and secured rather rapidly before a high wind event.

“The Windspire vertical axis wind turbine is the best of all worlds for residential and commercial customers, because of its robust and unique design,” continues Mr. McDowell. “This fits a perfect niche and is acceptable under most small wind ordinances.”

Its so quiet underneath...

Waldt is the regional dealer for the Windspire wind turbine. Waldt Renewables is ready to provide the latest and most efficient alternative energy options for residential, commercial or institutional projects. For more information, call Claiborne at 252.491.2204 or email renewables@waldt.com.

“It was a fascinating project to work on… we found original artifacts in the wall like coast guard logs from 1897, books and newpaper clippings. We enjoyed returning a part of local history back to its orginal beauty.”

–Bridge McDowell, President, Waldt Construction

See more about this process and the plans for this building here:

http://www.metronc.com/article/?id=2060

Before the rennovation…..

After the rennovation….      

The two buildings on either side create a wind tunnel effect for the Windspires...

20 Windspire Wind Turbines Create Renewable Energy at Silicon Valley Headquarters

We will post pictures of the process as it goes along on the www.waldtrenewables.com blog.

Rebar installation