HOME > NEWS First wind turbine coming to Washtenaw County, Mich.ShareAnn Arbor Business Review A Scio Township remodeling company will install Washtenaw County's first wind turbine on Wednesday, kicking off its marketing of turbines for individual homes. Jiten Mehta of Case Handyman and Remodeling on Jackson Road west of Ann Arbor will install the turbine at his own home in Scio Township to use as a model for potential customers. But Mehta said proving that wind power can work away from large bodies of water is just as important to him as having something to show customers. "I really want to establish that it can be done inland," he said. "People see a lot of wind power around the lakes and think it's not feasible inland. My goal is to demonstrate that with the right equipment and the right site, you can produce energy." He'll be selling the Skystream turbine manufactured by Southwest Windpower in Flagstaff, Ariz. Contractors Building Supply in Copemish distributes the turbines in Michigan. Allan O'Shea, co-owner of Contractors Building Supply, said the turbines can produce between 400 and 600 kilowatt-hours per month, which translates to $40-$60 on a monthly bill. That averages between 30 percent and 60 percent of the typical bill, he added, although the turbines produce more energy in the winter, when the weather is windier. O'Shea said he's sold six or seven of the turbines himself, and has another four on order. The turbine connects to the existing electric utility company's system and can actually add electricity to the grid if the turbine is on but no power is being used in the home. "It allows the homeowner to reduce energy consumption via a contract with Consumers or DTE," said O'Shea, who is a Manistee County Commissioner. Joshua Long, energy coordinator for Washtenaw County, confirmed Mehta's turbine would be the first in the county. The turbines cost around $15,000, including installation. Mehta's will be on top of a 50-foot tower on his 4-acre property. He admitted the turbines are not for everybody, but said, "There's a lot of interest."
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