Southwest Windpower

The Process of Buying the Wind: Come, Follow the Crow's

Bruce and Tammy Crow of Fort Defiance Virgina recently purchased a Skystream 3.7 from us and took the time to log the entire process from the information gathering phase through to completion. Here it is. As they point out, it should answer any questions a future consumer would have...

Good morning Amy I have outlined our process to inform others who may be interested in wind power.

May 2007

* Gathered info on increase in real estate property values with renewable energy sources.
* Info sheet on noise and decibel level of turbine system in operation.
* Info sheet on bird and animal kills from wind turbines.
* Met with all six (6) adjoining property owners to discuss turbine install and answer any questions they may have. Left information packet with each for their review--All property owners approved installation without hesitation, no questions.
* Filed application with County for special use permit(required since net metering with current electrical company and tying into their grid).

June 2007

* County Board of Zoning Meeting held on Thursday, June 7, 2007
* Special use permit for turbine system - APPROVED
* Applied for and purchased building and electrical permits for all inspections
* Talked to Alan (Brani) at Solar Night Ind, sales order confirmed and dated 6/18/2007
* Spoke to Amy (Alexander) at Solar Night Ind, verify payment received, items to be ordered
* Purchased all electrical supplies and hook-ups
* Set Outdoor disconnect as required by NEC & UL 1741
* Sent specifications and placed order for rebar cage

July 2007

* Received email from Amy to advise what items were being shipped
and tracking #
* Upon receiving tracking number we followed the status of shipment online * * Call from Estes trucking, items at terminal for pick up (no truck in area)
* Upon pick up and inspection, one turbine blade was damaged
* Emailed Amy at Solar Night Ind, sent description and picture of damage
* Received call and email from Amy, a replacement set would be sent and call tag for damaged blades
* Federal Express delivered large bolts, and template for bolt pattern set
* Shenandoah Tower arrived to dig hole for pier foundation, template made set on rebar cage and set in hole and double checked for accuracy and secured.
* Concrete pour scheduled, delivered, finish work done, setting up nicely.
* Rented large trencher for electrical inspection next day
* Trench dug, electrical service placed, inspected and approval given to cover and proceed
* Following day all backfilling, grading, seeding and landscaping done.
* Looks great, all family members and neighbors are getting excited, as well as ourselves

At this time, we are waiting the 28 days for the concrete pour to cure properly.
Cover letter mailed on 7/17/2007 to Dominion VA. Power requesting meter change out to allow for net metering program.

Tentative start up date is for September 2007 if all goes well.

So far so good. Thank you for your call.
~Bruce and Tammy Crow

Thanks Bruce and Tammy!

I've highlighted and underlined my favorite part about the family and neighbors getting excited. That is the most important thing! People like the Crow's turning their friends and family on to the possibilities of renewable energy.

Creating your own electricity, while creating zero harmful emissions...who wouldn't be excited?!