Oct 9, 2008 6:40 pm US/Eastern
Man Builds A Business With Wind Generators
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) ―
-
-
Though the idea of generating electricity from wind power is a popular topic for politicians to talk about, actually getting a generating turbine installed on your property is a different story. But one man near Frederick is helping to push the process al
Though the idea of generating electricity from wind power is a popular topic for politicians to talk about, actually getting a generating turbine installed on your property is a different story.
Mike Schuh reports one man near Frederick is helping to push the process along.
A few years ago, storms cut electricity to the pumps bringing well water to some horses. For a week, Carlos Fernandez ran a costly gas-powered generator, but he knew there had to be a better way.
And there was. Fernandez turned to the wind.
"Generation of power for home use, generation of power for battery charging," said Fernandez.
Soon he bought another and another. Now he has nine altogether.
Not only did he cut the amount of power he bought off the grid by two-thirds, he set up a business, selling $10,000 to $20,000 wind generators.
"So they can see what these actually would look like on their farm or backyard," said Fernandez.
But the zoning regulations here are cloudy. Old style windmills are fine to erect on a farm, but though they do the same thing, modern ones create governmental static.
This past week, most of the county's commissioners came out for a visit. There was a public hearing with only positive testimony.
So now the county is in the process of modifying its ordinance. It's a good thing too because up to $4,700 in grants are available, but only if the windmills comply with local zoning.
"And the future is that this is a train coming down the track," said Fernandez.
Fernandez has been told that the ordinances will be in place by Christmas.
Soon Fernandez will be installing four of the wind turbines in Carroll County, which recently clarified its zoning and permitting process.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
