Personal Wind Power

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Story Published: Sep 4, 2008 at 5:26 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:43 AM MST

By Rick Montañez

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SHELLEY - The debate about wind energy continues here in the Gem state. Now, a local company opened its doors to help you install your own personal windmill.

The company promises to save you at least 40% on your home energy bill.

All you have to do is pay somewhere around $12,000-15,000 for the unit and all the parts.

"It'll do between 400 and 1000 kw a month," says Lorin Croft, owner of LC Insulation and Supply.

Lorin Croft promises that would translate into 40 to 80% of your monthly utility bill.

"You get a credit from your power company," says Croft.

That's after you sign up with your power company. When the wind isn't blowing, like it wasn't today at the open house, you use energy from the power grid, which you're charged for. When the wind blows and the turbine spins that's where you start saving green.

"This isn't gonna get us off the grid, its gonna get us a little bit less impact, so we each make a little less impact on mother earth," says Croft.

The nearly $15,000 cost of the Skystream 3.7 system should pay for itself in 8-10 years. But that isn't soon enough for some people looking to save now.

"I live on social security, you've got so much money and the power just keeps going up. So if we can get an alternative source of energy, why not use it," says Dale Wiklund.

"If I had the acreage, you know, I'd get one," says John Galloway. "I've tracked it for a few years, since the 70's."

Now you do, but here's something else you need to do this project. Your plot needs to be at least half an acre and the cost will change depending on how high up you need to put the turbine and how much wiring you need to run from your house.

By installing a system like this, you can save a max of $5,000 a year in tax deductions for a few years.

Since the system has been on the market here in east Idaho 5 units have been sold.

You can stop by LC Insulation and Supply to check out these products, the company is located at 606 N. State Street in Shelley

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