Otter Tail County Commissioners, while backing wind energy within county boundaries, on Tuesday agreed with a recommendation from the County Planning Commission to table a request to erect a wind tower near Marion Lake in Dead Lake Township, southeast of Dent and southwest of Perham.
The application, from Thomas and Georgette Wegscheid, calls for positioning the wind turbine with an 80-foot tower, for personal electric energy, approximately 680 feet from the lake. The applicants requested to have their application tabled to allow members of the planning commission to view a wind turbine — identical to the proposal by the Wegscheids — at Residential Wind Power, Inc., in New York Mills.
Planning commission members want to see the wind turbine site at New York Mills in order to become more familiar with its operations.
Commissioners, on Tuesday, said the five-person county board may want to establish guidelines about erection of wind towers within Otter Tail County. They pointed out that some wind towers, depending on size, present more environmental issues than others. They said that if guidelines were in place, it would make their jobs easier when applications from people such as the Wegscheids would be brought in, for their review.
County commissioners, on Tuesday, did approve five conditional use permit applications.
n The board approved a request to rebuild an older, existing road for farm use near Moenkedick and Ceynowa Lakes at Edna Township, west of Perham. The application came from Jon Saetre and DLM, LLC.
n The county board okayed a request from Dennis and Tammy Buchanan, with conditions, for a preliminary plat entitle Twins Acres. This consists of two non-residential lots near Rush Lakes and Buchanan Lake in Rush Lake Township, south of Perham.
n Commissioners approved placing 18-inch polyethylene pipe near Pelican Lake in Dunn Township, northeast of Pelican Rapids. The application came from Larson Lake Property Partnership. This project will not result in additional flow to Pelican Lake.
n A request from the Otter Tail County Highway Department to replace a deficient bridge along Highway 67 in Deer Creek Township received board approval. Approximately 300 feet of grading is associated with the project.
n The county board approved a conditional use permit application, with a condition, for a proposed new residence, detached garage and driveway at Otter Tail Lake, in Amor Township. The application came from Thomas Vertin.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Flexible Solar Cell Technology
Canadian research engineers at McMaster University in Ontario recently uncovered the secrets to flexible solar cell technology, where it is able to generate enough juice to light bus shelters in addition to sending Internet-based updates of transport schedules - perfect for those who tend to live by the clock and get all anxious whenever schedules don't run on time.
These flexible solar strips measure 90cm x 12cm each and are able to hold 720 one-centimeter square solar cells that generate up to 4.5 watts of juice under optimal conditions. The solar strip will be connected to each end of a bus shelter, where in turn is hooked up to a multi-LED, battery-operated light fixture.
Don't worry about these fixtures sipping too much juice - they are energy-efficient lighting units that take a mere 600 milliwatts of power, while offering the equivalent of a small nightlight at night.
These flexible solar strips measure 90cm x 12cm each and are able to hold 720 one-centimeter square solar cells that generate up to 4.5 watts of juice under optimal conditions. The solar strip will be connected to each end of a bus shelter, where in turn is hooked up to a multi-LED, battery-operated light fixture.
Don't worry about these fixtures sipping too much juice - they are energy-efficient lighting units that take a mere 600 milliwatts of power, while offering the equivalent of a small nightlight at night.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Small wind turbines for the city
Before you say it, I know, wind turbines aren't something tenants can put up. But today, The Globe & Mail ran a story of mine about a new generation of small wind turbines that are much better suited to urban applications. And since the first comment to appear asked about links, I figured that Green Tenant could provide them.
What makes these turbines special is that they don't spin at super-high speeds. Older small turbines had been a bit of a safety hazard because of their speeds. Many of them don't require tall towers. Some spin horizontally to reduce wear. Others actually make use of the updraft from a roof. And they're all designed with gusty city winds in mind.
The turbine that inspired the story is the Wind Dancer. It's an award-winning Toronto creation from Wind Simplicity (www.windsimplicity.ca).
There's a nifty rooftop model from WindTerra (www.windterra.com).
Also mentioned is the Skystream 3.7 (www.skystreamenergy.com).
If you're in a high-rise apartment and have a landlord with a sympathetic ear, you might want to mention that the first Wind Dancers sold were to real estate mogul Shane Baghai. They're on top of one of his condo developments. Maybe this is a way for your building's management to cut down of the cost of electricity in communal spaces, such as hallways and lobbies? Can't hurt to mention it.
What makes these turbines special is that they don't spin at super-high speeds. Older small turbines had been a bit of a safety hazard because of their speeds. Many of them don't require tall towers. Some spin horizontally to reduce wear. Others actually make use of the updraft from a roof. And they're all designed with gusty city winds in mind.
The turbine that inspired the story is the Wind Dancer. It's an award-winning Toronto creation from Wind Simplicity (www.windsimplicity.ca).
There's a nifty rooftop model from WindTerra (www.windterra.com).
Also mentioned is the Skystream 3.7 (www.skystreamenergy.com).
If you're in a high-rise apartment and have a landlord with a sympathetic ear, you might want to mention that the first Wind Dancers sold were to real estate mogul Shane Baghai. They're on top of one of his condo developments. Maybe this is a way for your building's management to cut down of the cost of electricity in communal spaces, such as hallways and lobbies? Can't hurt to mention it.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wind turbine opposition reaches legislature
Opposition to wind turbines in Pigeon Bay has even reached the Ontario legislature.
Last week MPP Bruce Crozier presented a petition signed by “thousands” of area residents opposed to any wind generating projects in the bay.
And despite the mounting pressure on the government, the company behind the proposal says it will be answering all the questions its detractors have raised.
SouthPoint Wind recently issued a statement saying it is following all the guidelines of government agencies for the offshore project.
In 2008 SouthPoint refiled its proposal with the province to build wind turbines in three specific sites in Pigeon Bay, basically in areas offshore from Leamington, Union and Kingsville.
In January, 2006, the province announced a moratorium on wind turbines in Lake Erie and then lifted it in January 2008.
“To date, no information sessions have been held or endorsed by SouthPoint Wind, as we are currently still working through our Environmental Assessment process,” says the statement from SouthPoint, issued by Stacey Murtag, its Director of Operations.
“Public safety and consultation are paramount in the Environmental Assessment process, which will also explore subjects including health and safety, noise, lake ecosystem processes, bathymetric properties, water turbidity, electromagnetic interference, impacts to wildlife, shadow flicker, turbine lighting, spills and contaminants, transportation, navigable waters use, and impacts to fisheries. These topics and more will be explicitly addressed in our Environmental Screening Report, which will be available for public review upon publication,” says SouthPoint.
On May 31 at the Leamington Marina the group “citizens Against Lake Erie Wind Turbines” (CALEWT) held another open house where its opposition points were again highlighted.
At that session members of the Leamington Yacht Club said the Pigeon Bay sites represent a hazard to navigation for almost every type of craft from lake freighters, pleasure boats, fishing tugs and the ferries between the mainland and Pelee Island.
On May 25 several members of CALEWT met with Ontario minister of the environment, John Gerretsen.
“The meeting lasted longer than the time allotted,” said Leamington Deputy Mayor Rob Schmidt, who attended.
He said the citizens group gave a presentation that was “very well done”.
Schmidt, who was speaking at last week’s town council meeting, said that new environmental assessment regulations” are being developed.
“We will get those very shortly.”
“They will be very stringent for the proponent,” Said Schmidt.
Schmidt also said the delegation meeting with Gerretsen was told those new rules “will apply” to SouthPoint’s proposed wind turbines in Pigeon Bay.
SouthPoint says it encourages the public to go through its screening report once it has been completed although there was no timeline on when that would happen.
Last week MPP Bruce Crozier presented a petition signed by “thousands” of area residents opposed to any wind generating projects in the bay.
And despite the mounting pressure on the government, the company behind the proposal says it will be answering all the questions its detractors have raised.
SouthPoint Wind recently issued a statement saying it is following all the guidelines of government agencies for the offshore project.
In 2008 SouthPoint refiled its proposal with the province to build wind turbines in three specific sites in Pigeon Bay, basically in areas offshore from Leamington, Union and Kingsville.
In January, 2006, the province announced a moratorium on wind turbines in Lake Erie and then lifted it in January 2008.
“To date, no information sessions have been held or endorsed by SouthPoint Wind, as we are currently still working through our Environmental Assessment process,” says the statement from SouthPoint, issued by Stacey Murtag, its Director of Operations.
“Public safety and consultation are paramount in the Environmental Assessment process, which will also explore subjects including health and safety, noise, lake ecosystem processes, bathymetric properties, water turbidity, electromagnetic interference, impacts to wildlife, shadow flicker, turbine lighting, spills and contaminants, transportation, navigable waters use, and impacts to fisheries. These topics and more will be explicitly addressed in our Environmental Screening Report, which will be available for public review upon publication,” says SouthPoint.
On May 31 at the Leamington Marina the group “citizens Against Lake Erie Wind Turbines” (CALEWT) held another open house where its opposition points were again highlighted.
At that session members of the Leamington Yacht Club said the Pigeon Bay sites represent a hazard to navigation for almost every type of craft from lake freighters, pleasure boats, fishing tugs and the ferries between the mainland and Pelee Island.
On May 25 several members of CALEWT met with Ontario minister of the environment, John Gerretsen.
“The meeting lasted longer than the time allotted,” said Leamington Deputy Mayor Rob Schmidt, who attended.
He said the citizens group gave a presentation that was “very well done”.
Schmidt, who was speaking at last week’s town council meeting, said that new environmental assessment regulations” are being developed.
“We will get those very shortly.”
“They will be very stringent for the proponent,” Said Schmidt.
Schmidt also said the delegation meeting with Gerretsen was told those new rules “will apply” to SouthPoint’s proposed wind turbines in Pigeon Bay.
SouthPoint says it encourages the public to go through its screening report once it has been completed although there was no timeline on when that would happen.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Solar Energy For Your Home On A Budget
Using solar energy for your home is one of the easiest ways to reduce your electric bill. Because solar energy is highly efficient, and with the tax incentives available, you can regain your expenses quickly.
The simplest and easiest way to use solar energy for your home is with hot water. Domestic hot water is one of the most expensive consumers of electricity in your house. An electric hot water heater is much more expensive to operate than a simple solar hot water system.
Solar hot water
With solar hot water you can make your own system, buy a system and install it yourself, or hire the entire project out to a solar contractor. When you get down to it, it is a matter of time, money and skill.
The easiest method for using solar energy is by preheating your domestic hot water. It is not difficult, plus you will make a difference without too much effort or cash.
Actually, typical solar panels are not required. With a sunny room, a plastic barrel of water and a little plumbing, you will have a basic solar water heater. You can reduce your electric bill dramatically by using this simple setup.
New construction
The best way to have solar energy for your home is to include it as an integral part of the design, before anything is constructed. When you are building, you should think about the orientation of the house, the pitch of the roof, and other items. With new construction, you receive the most benefits of solar energy.
While you are planning your house, make sure to find a builder who has experience in building an efficient house. There is a wide range of attitudes and abilities among contractors when it comes to energy efficiency.
Think for yourself, ask around, find a good solar expert in your area. Your energy efficient home will be beautiful, and easy on the budget!
Do it yourself kits
Obviously, most people are already in the house they are hoping to make solar, at least as much as possible. A do it yourself kit is one of the best ways to start. There are several types of kits available, but generally they are designed for the weekend warrior.
From locally available materials, you will make a windmill, solar panel, and a generator. You will need more than one solar panel to power your entire house, but these kits will help you get started. Your electric bills will go down as you supplement your own power needs.
The simplest and easiest way to use solar energy for your home is with hot water. Domestic hot water is one of the most expensive consumers of electricity in your house. An electric hot water heater is much more expensive to operate than a simple solar hot water system.
Solar hot water
With solar hot water you can make your own system, buy a system and install it yourself, or hire the entire project out to a solar contractor. When you get down to it, it is a matter of time, money and skill.
The easiest method for using solar energy is by preheating your domestic hot water. It is not difficult, plus you will make a difference without too much effort or cash.
Actually, typical solar panels are not required. With a sunny room, a plastic barrel of water and a little plumbing, you will have a basic solar water heater. You can reduce your electric bill dramatically by using this simple setup.
New construction
The best way to have solar energy for your home is to include it as an integral part of the design, before anything is constructed. When you are building, you should think about the orientation of the house, the pitch of the roof, and other items. With new construction, you receive the most benefits of solar energy.
While you are planning your house, make sure to find a builder who has experience in building an efficient house. There is a wide range of attitudes and abilities among contractors when it comes to energy efficiency.
Think for yourself, ask around, find a good solar expert in your area. Your energy efficient home will be beautiful, and easy on the budget!
Do it yourself kits
Obviously, most people are already in the house they are hoping to make solar, at least as much as possible. A do it yourself kit is one of the best ways to start. There are several types of kits available, but generally they are designed for the weekend warrior.
From locally available materials, you will make a windmill, solar panel, and a generator. You will need more than one solar panel to power your entire house, but these kits will help you get started. Your electric bills will go down as you supplement your own power needs.
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