Does anyone know about these?

There was a blip in the Southern Maryland Extra about how the county commissioners unanimously approved residential wind mills for creating electricity. They even provided a link to the Wind Swept program, which is a state sponsored program providing grants for building residential wind turbines.

I've sifted through some of the information, and I've browsed the net - but I'm curious if anyone knows of a case in St Mary's where someone has actually DONE this.

It interests me, because I have enough property to build one on, but I'm skeptical on the return on investment. Even WITH a grant, I don't want to build something I'll never break even with.

Now as I understand it, references to how much kW's a turbine yields is based on assumptions on average wind speed and optimal conditions and efficiency. So while a turbine may claim to yield 2 kW, you might live in a zone where the wind is so weak, it's never going to do you any good.

They make them as small as roof mounted turbines about the size of a large dish antenna (which with turbulence, no one really recommends) and as big as 12 feet across mounted on 40 foot poles.

I guess my sentiment is, should I bother with it? What's the optimal selection for a residence for decent ROI? Tiny roof-mounted turbines cost up to 2000, but will likely only save 30 bucks a year.

Anyone know anything?

Saw one on a TV show that looked like an updated version of the old roof vent turines. I'd be interested in one of those.

Do a search for "wind farm". There have been discussions here before.

I guess my sentiment is, should I bother with it? What's the optimal selection for a residence for decent ROI? Tiny roof-mounted turbines cost up to 2000, but will likely only save 30 bucks a year.

Anyone know anything?



I believe the general con sense is, MD does not get enough wind to make it cost effective, now if you were "on the water" the facts might be different

of course if you are really enterprising, you can home build one for a few hundred dollars .....

Homegrown Power: 7th Oct 07. Dual stator windmill. (http://www.thebackshed.com/Windmill/FORUM1/forum_posts.asp?TID=751)

Does anyone know about these?

There was a blip in the Southern Maryland Extra about how the county commissioners unanimously approved residential wind mills for creating electricity. They even provided a link to the Wind Swept program, which is a state sponsored program providing grants for building residential wind turbines.

I've sifted through some of the information, and I've browsed the net - but I'm curious if anyone knows of a case in St Mary's where someone has actually DONE this.

It interests me, because I have enough property to build one on, but I'm skeptical on the return on investment. Even WITH a grant, I don't want to build something I'll never break even with.

Now as I understand it, references to how much kW's a turbine yields is based on assumptions on average wind speed and optimal conditions and efficiency. So while a turbine may claim to yield 2 kW, you might live in a zone where the wind is so weak, it's never going to do you any good.

They make them as small as roof mounted turbines about the size of a large dish antenna (which with turbulence, no one really recommends) and as big as 12 feet across mounted on 40 foot poles.

I guess my sentiment is, should I bother with it? What's the optimal selection for a residence for decent ROI? Tiny roof-mounted turbines cost up to 2000, but will likely only save 30 bucks a year.

Anyone know anything?


Yes, there is Pay back on Wind Turbines. I am the one who started this ordinance so I can install my system. Contact me for the info...

E-mail me at Richard.Johnson@argonst.com


Will fill you in on Wind Power

E-mail me at Richard.Johnson@argonst.com


Will fill you in on Wind PowerFill us all in Rich.

Fill us all in Rich.

That sounds gay

That sounds gay:smack: You're not getting any of my extra windmill power!! :mad:

That sounds gay


Yes it does!

Does anyone know about these?

There was a blip in the Southern Maryland Extra about how the county commissioners unanimously approved residential wind mills for creating electricity. They even provided a link to the Wind Swept program, which is a state sponsored program providing grants for building residential wind turbines.

I've sifted through some of the information, and I've browsed the net - but I'm curious if anyone knows of a case in St Mary's where someone has actually DONE this.

It interests me, because I have enough property to build one on, but I'm skeptical on the return on investment. Even WITH a grant, I don't want to build something I'll never break even with.

Now as I understand it, references to how much kW's a turbine yields is based on assumptions on average wind speed and optimal conditions and efficiency. So while a turbine may claim to yield 2 kW, you might live in a zone where the wind is so weak, it's never going to do you any good.

They make them as small as roof mounted turbines about the size of a large dish antenna (which with turbulence, no one really recommends) and as big as 12 feet across mounted on 40 foot poles.

I guess my sentiment is, should I bother with it? What's the optimal selection for a residence for decent ROI? Tiny roof-mounted turbines cost up to 2000, but will likely only save 30 bucks a year.

Anyone know anything?

Picture 1 (note wind tubine on condo unit at far left)
Pictures 2 & 3 (these regional models have been used for years !)

Picture 1 (note wind tubine on condo unit at far left)
Pictures 2 & 3 (these regional models have been used for years !)

Item 2 can be purchased on Solomon's Island in the shop across the street from the Pier.

Item 2 can be purchased on Solomon's Island in the shop across the street from the Pier.
Yep ! the Candy Shoppe supplies the whole island with electricity ! :yay:

If I could afford a windmill then I would definitely invest in one. SMECO IMO is taking us all to the cleaners. My electric bill is higher than my car payment, and yes I have energy saver everything. My kids are grown and are in and out so basically it's just me and the dogs here. SMECO claims my consumption has dropped in half over the past year and a half....so explain to me why my bill has tripled.......


Could it be the new fleet of trucks that SMECO just bought???? I think I own one.......

They'd do well today, it's frickin windy out there.

What would you like to know? I will have my wind turbine up this year...

What would you like to know? I will have my wind turbine up this year...

I'll have more to ask after you've done it for a while. I still have many concerns. Return on investment, primarily. Grants, which seem to always be exhausted. Which models to use, how many and what size. Is there enough wind? Just how high up does that tower have to go?

I've seen models which mount on your roof - and other models which resemble spinning cylinders rather than ceiling fans.

I have no interest in going "green" for altruistic reasons. It has to save money in the long run.

I'm still in "wait and see" mode.

My system is a Jacobs 20 kW system. Tower sizes are 80, 100, and 120 foot free standing towers. This is the Hub height. Blades are 15 feet long. My wind survey says I am in Zone 2 (9.8-11.5 mph) average wind. System will produce 19,700 kw Hours a year in 10 mph average wind. At 12 mph average, I will get around 33,000 kw hours a year. I looked at identical system in California and my friend measured a 10 mph average wind for the year and it produced 19,400 kw Hours for the year, so the data is favorable with vendor. Here is vendor for Jacobs. Wind maps are there and system performance.

WTIC Home (http://www.windturbine.net/home.htm)

Yea, I am not Green Peace, just want to save the hole SMECO is burning in my pocket. I am looking at a 4-6 year return on investment. The first thing you need to do is figure what your total KW Hours consumed per year is so to best match a system to your needs and pocketbook. I wanted to get the best bang for the buck and went to a 20 kw turbine.

My system is a Jacobs 20 kW system. Tower sizes are 80, 100, and 120 foot free standing towers. This is the Hub height. Blades are 15 feet long. My wind survey says I am in Zone 2 (9.8-11.5 mph) average wind. System will produce 19,700 kw Hours a year in 10 mph average wind. At 12 mph average, I will get around 33,000 kw hours a year. I looked at identical system in California and my friend measured a 10 mph average wind for the year and it produced 19,400 kw Hours for the year, so the data is favorable with vendor. Here is vendor for Jacobs. Wind maps are there and system performance.

WTIC Home (http://www.windturbine.net/home.htm)Eff that!!! $47K for an 80' tower EXCLUDING installation. No ROI. :boo:

Yea, I am not Green Peace, just want to save the hole SMECO is burning in my pocket. I am looking at a 4-6 year return on investment. The first thing you need to do is figure what your total KW Hours consumed per year is so to best match a system to your needs and pocketbook. I wanted to get the best bang for the buck and went to a 20 kw turbine.
How many kWh are you using per year???? :faint:

My avg. kWh is 8400/year. avg. elec. bill = $165.00/mth x 12 mths. = $1,980.00/year = 25 years just to buy the thing.

What are the restrictions in regards to critical areas?

Eff that!!! $47K for an 80' tower EXCLUDING installation. No ROI. :boo:

This is why I'm playing wait and see. That kind of power would probably provide me with ALL of my electrical needs for the year - but it would easily be ten years or more to recoup that cost, and that's betting there are no failures, accidents, and the wind speed average is always good.

I've looked into solar, but it's also expensive. Most configurations I've seen, my ROI exceeds the lifetime expectancy of the panels.

Without some kind of state grant, it ain't happening at my house unless they find a cheaper way to get it.

How many kWh are you using per year???? :faint:

My avg. kWh is 8400/year. avg. elec. bill = $165.00/mth x 12 mths. = $1,980.00/year = 25 years just to buy the thing.

You're lucky - mine's a lot more than that, by about three times. 8-10 years for me.

And that's with me using compact flourescents, insulating, caulking, weather proofing and keeping the place mostly dark and all the devices unplugged when out of use, and the thermostat down.

You're lucky - mine's a lot more than that, by about three times. 8-10 years for me.

And that's with me using compact flourescents, insulating, caulking, weather proofing and keeping the place mostly dark and all the devices unplugged when out of use, and the thermostat down.Sam,
Mine was a lot more too. Last spring I installed a 16 seer HVAC system and my usage was cut in over half. I have about 2,300 sq. ft. all electric. I rarely cook though and T-stat stays at 67 winter, 73 summer.

I have a re-furbished Jacobs that cost $26K. Plus will get $10K from MEA once installed and certified. Critical Area is no longer an issue and no Variance required.

WIndman, what are you using for storage? I'm assuming lead acid? How many and what type?

Folks. I got a 20 kw Turbine for I consume about 33,000 kwh a year. If you consume 8000-9000 kwh a year, a 20 kw system is over kill. I spend $5000 a year on utility costs. If you do Wind Turbine, you need to match the unit meeting your power consumption.

These Turbines are Grid Tie meaning you are still hooked to SMECO. By law, when the Grid goes down, the turbine cannot produce power. This is to protect the SMECO lineman out in the field trying to get the grid back up. You don't want to "Fry" the lineman. If you go off the grid, you could do some battery backup. SMECO will give you a new meter for this system so that it records how much power you put back on the grid when you over produce. Called Net Metering. You get credit for power produced.

What is the best way to re-fresh updated messages on this page?

Any looking for a 17.5kw Jacobs Turbine? Got one...

I have a Jacobs 17.5 kw turbine. Vendor sent by mistake...

These Turbines are Grid Tie


Ah ok, my mistake, thought you were off the grid.

Folks, like I said I have a Jacobs 17.5 kW Wind Turbine the vendor sent by mistake. The vendor thinks he has a buyer in Indiana. If interested, let me know and will get you contact information with Vendor. You would still need tower, inverter and blades that vendor can get.

Sorry Windman. These things attract UFO's!!! :jameo:
UFO experts believe mystery of wrecked wind turbine could be final proof that we are not alone | Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1108973/UFO-experts-believe-mystery-wrecked-wind-turbine-final-proof-alone.html)

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This is the Jacobs system...