10 Comments

1. 
   wolfworks | Nov 20, 2009 07:58am | #1

   Integration
   Thanks for the focus of this post (interesting counterpoint to the "sustainable McMansion" piece by Richard Deffendorf). It goes hand and hand with a comment made in your EBN feature on solar by Steven Strong that, despite its unreasonable expense, architects (and their clients) love building integrated photovoltaics because you can see them (unlike a better envelope - note to self: work on artful expression of wall thickness).

   It doesn't help that turbines are the most evocative icon of renewable energy - if there were as many operating (effectively) as there are on "green" web pages and featured in magazine articles and oil co. ads we'd be in good shape! People like shorthand and easy answers and wind turbines in backyards fit that bill. Let's hope your insight is observed and communicated. And where is the "eagle" of efficiency - we need an icon!

   Tucked within your post is a really significant job description. Rob Meyers is the "energy efficiency and renewable energy integrator" at South Mountain Company. Now we're talking! Until we move beyond the fractured single line disciplines of roofing, siding, windows, insulation, HVAC, solar, wind, ground source, on demand DHW, and the third party auditor with no direct role in integrating all of the above (with hands tied by stimulus programs), we're going to have a hard time getting this to work (as in work together as a system, which is the point). Someone needs to play that role and be accountable to a client in assuring performance, while providing the kind of guidance that Rob offers and you are encouraging here. We need "integrators".

2. 
   Andrew Henry | Nov 20, 2009 11:11am | #2

   Wind Turbines as green dogma
   Hi Martin,

   I was recently thinking about the issues you bring up in this post with respect to one homeowner in my area who dogmatically pursued approval for a wind turbine installation in his backyard. Unsurprisingly, his pursuit of approval against the wishes of his neighbours has probably created a great deal of resentment.

   The sad thing, for anyone who knows where the 'low hanging' green fruit lies, is that his home was a typical suburban home, built to the minimum standard (the code). The money he would have put into the turbine could have been put into improving the energy efficiency of his home, and would have had a much better (profoundly) cost/benefit ratio than the turbine. And he wouldn't have pissed off his neighbours!

   The various levels of government, business and the consumer who want to be green seem to spend far too much time advocating/demanding for glamorous renewable energy and very little time cheer-leading the much more cost-effective load reduction and end-use energy efficiency approaches. It's understandable, load reduction and end-use energy efficiency is pretty homely looking compared with glamourous renewable energy. Anyone know how to make load reduction and end-use energy efficiency 'hot'?

   Cheers,

   Andrew

3. 
   Ryan | Nov 21, 2009 05:56pm | #3

   Nothing new here
   Being one of the largest manufacturers of small-wind systems, the UK has conducted many studies on the performance of small-wind in residential application (see Warwick Wind Trials for example). Unfortunately, it's true; even with vast "wind resources" these reports note significantly lower performance than what wind energy yield tools predict. The problem is that wind is just inherently hard to predict or model - microclimate wind conditions (ie. affects of trees, buildings) can be completely different in two close locations, although they would share the same average wind speed which is used in predictions.

   Having said that, all renewable energy products take time to reach economies of scale, learning curve improvements, so who knows where the industry could be in 10 or more years...

4. 
   EJ Palma | Nov 24, 2009 08:24am | #4

   Integrators , Great concept that is sorely needed!
   Great point from Jamie. More businesses whether they be small or large should incorporate design and building professionals as "energy efficiency and renewable technology integrators" into there staff. This is especially true for businesses that deal with residential clients. The green building movement is attracting many consumers who are not well educated on energy efficiency, energy load reduction, and the principles that can green an existing home prior to spending vast amounts of money on glitzy energy systems. Their decision to promote a green living environment for themselves, leaves much opportunity for an experienced professional to educate them on how to integrate different aspects of sustainable life and renewable energy systems into their homes. With the vast number of existing houses that need to be upgraded, and the economy forcing people to stay and renovate their homes "integrators" become sustainable living and green building "counselors". People need someone to essentially hold their hands and walk them through the design and construction process of upgrading their homes and lives. Educating the people spreads to others, and each client provides the professional with a personal experience that can be related to their next client. It is a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone. Bravo to South Mountain Company for this innovative concept! E. J. Palma , Branford, Connecticut

5. 
   Tom williams | Nov 28, 2009 01:01pm | #5

   turbines
   if you feel that way why not check out a reputable dealer. The wind generators wind turbines at hurricane have done a great job for me actually lowering my power bill by half

6. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Nov 28, 2009 02:57pm | #6

   Reputable dealers
   Tom,
   I have already checked out reputable dealers of wind turbines; however, checking out reputable dealers has not altered my conclusions.

   I respect these reputable dealers, by the way, since wind turbines are useful equipment for off-grid homeowners. Many wind-turbine dealers do a great job serving the off-grid market.

7. 
   Anonymous | May 08, 2010 08:56am | #7

   wind
   Sounds like Martin's working for the PV cell companies.

8. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | May 08, 2010 09:09am | #8

   What causes such cynicism?
   Anonymous,
   It sounds as if the only possible explanation that someone might have a different perception than you do is that the opinion is being expressed by someone on the payroll of a corporation.

   I think your level of cynicism is unnecessarily high. I can assure you that I have no relationship with any PV companies, and have often written blogs advising against investments in PV.

9. 
   user-634791 | Sep 12, 2011 10:22am | #9

   Clarification
   Hi Martin-
   Just happened to come across this article. I would have commented sooner. I would like to make some clarifications. Not that it matters to your point but our electricity costs $0 .14/kWh.
   At the time PV was about 8 - 10 per watt. Our modeling showed that we would use approximately 8000 to 9000 kWh per yr so we would need around an 8kW to 9kW system. Using $8 per watt, the cost would have been between 64K and 72K. From wind maps it appeared that we would produce around 8000 kWh with the turbine at a cost of $40,500 so it made sense at the time. Also, you probably left out the rebates for a reason but the final cost was 28K, and with today's 30% tax credit (not available at the time) the final cost would be 16K. Now in 2011 with PV costing in the sub $5 per watt range, it would have been an obvious choice. While we definitely overpaid for our electricity in 2007 dollars by purchasing the wind turbine, by doing that we were able to pre pay all of our energy costs, including heat and HW, by wrapping that cost into our mortgage to be completely independent of any electricity or fuel price increases for at least the next 20 years.

10. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | Sep 12, 2011 10:46am | #10

    Response to David Pill
    David,
    Thanks for the clarifications. They are much appreciated.

    I have edited the blog to include a reference to your comment.