February 8, 2012 – 12:12 am
In each issue, we’ll be discussing a technological component of the renewable energy industry. Some issues will highlight some of the cool high tech work that is going on in the industry. But we will also be giving equal attention to low tech solutions to renewable energy questions.
When the subject of renewable energy comes up, most peoples thoughts go towards those ‘sexy’ sources of solar energy – solar electric, solar hot water and wind energy. They are visible – there are large wind farms in Wisconsin, and solar electric arrays are becoming larger and larger as the cost of installation keeps dropping. The appeal (and cost) of these systems lies in their ability to provide immediately usable energy or storing energy, either in battery banks, insulated water tanks or by back-feeding the excess to the electrical grid. Then there is a solar technology that doesn’t quite come to mind as quickly as these other technologies. Solar hot air. While in most applications it may not store energy as the other technologies do, it comes at the most affordable price, and usually at the best price/unit of energy of them all.
February 8, 2012 – 12:12 am
Over the past five years, North Wind has done its part to bring renewable energy to organizations at or below cost. In this story of Fresh Start Waupaca, North Wind has contributed some time and materials for domestic solar hot water systems on three new homes. Karl Schwingel has led these crews though the entire installation of these systems in 2009 and 2010, including collector mounting, cutting and sweating pipe and system commissioning. Here’s a summary of the Fresh Start Program.
It’s happening in so many places: young adults with a difficult upbringing – a difficult start to adulthood. Maybe it’s the choice to drop out of high school. Or it could be a brush with the law. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s poor choices or poor circumstances. There are some of these young adults that just want out of it. But how do you do that? Once you find yourself in this trap, it’s so hard to get out. Where could you possibly go? And who would care enough to give you a second chance?
February 8, 2012 – 12:10 am
Investors are struggling. Our current financial climate makes financial investments more challenging than ever. People are seeing CD’s mature, with a re-investment into CD’s yielding less than 2% per year. Bonds are being called and the options for re-investment are low yield and can be risky. And the stock market, well, do you think the possibility of a European debt crisis may play a role in your investments return? How about events in the Middle East effecting energy prices?
Here’s a thought – just another tool for your financial toolbox. It’s an investment in the renewable sector. Among the readily recognizable benefits of energy security, and all the environmental benefits, a renewable energy installation provides numerous financial benefits.
February 8, 2012 – 12:10 am
In each issue we would like to call attention to one of our recent installations. We may highlight a prominent job or profile an interesting or complex installation. It may be to highlight an innovative product, design or technique. Or it may be to demonstrate how a renewable energy system can benefit your residence or business.
Everyone has their reasons for installing renewable energy systems. Some are looking to do their part to reduce their carbon footprint. Some will find it helps their business control costs by the reduction or elimination of a utility bill. Others find security in knowing that they control where their energy comes from. And there are many others.
Jim Jozwiak wanted to make sure that his worms didn’t escape.
February 7, 2012 – 8:01 pm
There seems to be no end to the changing legislative, regulatory and utility news here in Wisconsin. We can’t even try to bring you all the news. What we will do is highlight one current and pertinent issue. We’ll also provide links for your further reading. In this ever changing environment of renewable energy, your best friend is knowledge and where to find more.
Our good friends at RENEW Wisconsin took the lead last week by composing and delivering this open letter to the Public Service Commission. Signatures of 150 organizations and business (including North Wind) from throughout Wisconsin endorsed this letter. The letter does a fine job of explaining the history and current environment of the Focus On Energy program here in Wisconsin. It is followed by the PSC’s response letter.
February 7, 2012 – 3:41 pm
For those of you who know a little about us, you know that North Wind is more than just a renewable energy installer. For those who are just beginning to learn more about us, you will find that our work, our interest and our passion centers more on the issues of sustainability, of which renewable energy is a significant component. In the coming newsletters, the articles in this section will demonstrate this.
Beginning in the summer of 2011 and continuing through today, North Wind Renewable Energy has had the opportunity, along with a number of other organizations, individuals and businesses, to help facilitate the purchase and initial development of a community food center in downtown Stevens Point. As of this writing, the initiative is simply called ‘The Greenhouse Project’. I would like to highlight, here, some of the renewable energy systems and ideas that we’ve been developing for the site in order to meet power and heating needs specific to the indoor growing operations as well as some of the demonstration and monitoring that we’d like to do in conjunction with these installations.
