Wind power at home

With energy prices soaring, many are looking for ways to cut down on costs, both at home and at work.  One local businessman is using the wind to his advantage.   Bob Bechtold is no stranger to the power of the wind.  He has two wind turbines producing energy for both his business and his home. "We owe it to the future to take this very seriously", he says. 

For him, it's not just about saving money. It's also about the environment. But the two work hand in hand.

He installed the turbine at his business, Harbec Plastics in Ontario about 5 years ago. It will have paid for itself in about 2-3 more years.

Bechtold says, "it was producing 18-20 percent of our power. But now that the business has grown over those 5 years it is down to about 10-12 percent." Which is why he's considering adding another. "In every facet of it, it's been a complete success," he adds.

The system works by converting the rotation of the turbine's blades into electricity.  Bechtold also has another "green" energy system. Microturbines help him recycle energy.   He uses the heat bye-products from one system to power another.  "First of all, that's a huge cost savings for us. If we can use waste instead of fuel. Second of all, if we're not buying fuel and using it whatever kind it was, we're not polluting," he adds. 

Bechtold has also had success with "green" power at his home. The turbine there has been up for 6 and a half years.  "We use that and a geothermal ground loop to provide 65 to 75 percent of our total energy needs. The remainder we buy off the grid as green power."  When Bechtold first started his projects, he was a pioneer. Now he is happy to see so many other companies are also joining in the "green" movement.  "It makes me feel good because it's a very serious situation and having other people understand that is hope," he says.

Bechtold does still have to buy some power off the grid. But he makes sure to purchase green energy. And that's something any homeowner can do.