HOME > NEWS & PRESS > NEWS ITEM Dagsboro explores alternative energy optionsShareThe Daily Times (Maryland) In response to the growing demand for alternative energy generator permits, the town's Planning & Zoning Commission has begun to create new regulations pertaining to the installation of wind and solar powered generators. "We have to look to the future," said commission chairman Majorie Eckerd. "We have to consider what kinds of windmills and things we want in the town." The commission will draft an ordinance to amend the municipal code to provide for additional regulations for the permitted use of windmills or wind powered generators in the residential, high-density residential, commercial, and light-industrial districts. The draft will be revised at next month's commission meeting and the final product will then be sent to the Town Council for approval. "People are already asking for these generators in the town, but there is no regulation," Eckerd said. "They're already here, we're just making sure they are not going to cause any issues." The national economic downturn and rising energy costs have increased the demand for alternative power sources, Dagsboro resident Greg Menoche said. Menoche installed his Skystream 3.7 wind turbine onto a 35-foot pole next to his house earlier this year and plans to upgrade to a solar-wind hybrid model by February. "More and more people are going toward wind power because of the cost relief," he said. "It's an investment at first, but it pays for itself after only about five years." The initial cost can be high, but the benefits are undeniable. Menoche's model cost more than $10,000 plus installation, but Delaware's Green Energy Program rebates can offset up to 50 percent of the cost depending on average wind speed and location. For customers with less than 5 acres, permits can add an additional $400. Menoche has cut his energy costs by more than 40 percent on average and according to Delaware Renewable Energy Company, an alternative energy generator retailer, a wind turbine or solar energy system can add $20,000 per unit to the value of a home. "It doesn't require any significant maintenance or repairs, I can earn credits from the power company for the power I'm providing them at times, and I'm doing something positive for myself and my family," he said. According to Kyle Gulbronson, the town planner and a senior project manager with URS Corp., the new ordinance will allow both roof- and pole-mounted generators in the town, the height of which will depend upon the size of the owner's property. "We're looking to give them an adequate fall zone, where if something happens the wind turbines won't damage anyone else's property," Gulbronson said. "We're trying to be forward-thinking and to keep the future in mind." |
