Staff Writer
HOULTON – In a day when electricity is costing more and fuel prices keep rising, it’s nice to know there is an alternative for energy …. the wind turbine.
Photo courtesy of Skystreamenergy.com
UP AND RUNNING — A finished wind turbine graces the sky line. For homeowners, Blaine Lincoln of Hodgdon took matters into his own hands and is offering the new energy.
“I explored wind turbine energy because I wanted it for my own use,” Lincoln said.
As word got around that Lincoln was researching its potential, others contacted him and said they’d be interested in it, as well.
“So, I saw a business opportunity,” said Lincoln, who owns and operates Northern Refrigeration, Inc.
Lincoln is relatively new at installing wind turbines, taking on the dealership a month ago. In the next couple of weeks, he will be certified and factory trained to work on Southwest Wind Power equipment. He is working on standing his first one at his own home on the Lincoln Road in Hodgdon by the first of June.
“It’s a demo and it will be at my house,” he said.
Lincoln is setting up wind turbines produced by Southwest Wind Power known as Sky Stream.
“It is radio-controlled so I can operate it, monitor it, and make minor adjustments from the ground over a laptop,” he said. “It doesn’t have a mechanical brake to slow it down, and has a mono pole tower (no guide wires). Those are the aspects that sold me on it.”
Photo courtesy of Skystreamenergy.com
GOING UP — A 34-foot tower waits to be set.
Wind turbines can be erected through the normal construction season and the estimated base cost is $13,000.
“There are three different tower heights, 33, 45 and 60 feet,” said Lincoln. “These are wireless towers and for appearance sake look like a light pole.”
Wind turbines have to be placed in a spot where the wind is good and should be 20 feet taller than anything around it within 120 feet.
Lincoln believes the investment is worth the cost.
“You’re producing electricity out of the wind and you are locking yourself in to what you can produce at the price you purchase it at today,” he said. “Where electrical rates are going to continue to increase over the years, what you are producing for yourself, will help offset your electrical bill versus what you are buying. And, what you produce is tax free.”
Lincoln is a well-established businessman within the area and has owned and operated Northern Refrigeration, Inc. and is currently celebrating his 20th year in service.
For more information on Sky Stream visit their Web site at skystreamenergy.com or call Lincoln at 532-4047.
Photo courtesy of Skystreamenergy.com
POWERED UP — This turbine powers a tower that will convert wind energy into electricity. Wind turbines can help offset increasing electrical rates.
