Wind Power for Maui Homeowners
Off Grid Systems
It's REALLY windy outside right now. The wind generator is cranking out power and the inverter is humming. I've got the clothes dryer running at night! That's a luxury when you're off the grid, you just don't do it unless you have power to burn. The batteries are topped up and there's more power coming in. We have a Bergey wind turbine mounted on a 60 foot pole, in our horse pasture. It produces 1,000 watts at full capacity. It's not mounted on that shed in the picture, it's behind it, held up with guy wires.
Our home is in Haiku, on the north shore of Maui, where the tradewinds blow throughout the year. Most days there is a 10-15 mph "breeze", with a lot of days much windier than that. It's one of the reasons why Maui is famous for the windsurfing. The tradewinds also bring fresh rainshowers which keeps everything growing and green. Haiku Maui is a vibrant place.
Off grid is a reality for many parts of Maui. Besides Huelo and Hanawana, other places you can find people living without Maui Electric are Kanaio and Kaupo. With our sunny climate and steady winds, it's a viable choice for many innovative people.
Will windpower work for you? There are maps for each state to determine your average wind pattern.
Grid Tie In Systems
Here's another home in the North Shore Maui area with 2 roof mounted wind generators. I haven't seen any of this model yet, and 2 side by side like that. I like it. And look at that rack of solar panels! These guys are on the grid so have decided to do a grid tie in system which can save a homeowner a lot of cash, especially here on Maui. Maui Electric Company, also known as MECO, won't buy your excess power back, but they will credit you for the contribution to their power grid.
I encourage you to try wind power if you live where it's windy. It's renewable and clean energy, and it's there for the taking. Call me for more information.
Kaheawa Wind Farm on Maui - producing about 10% of our energy.
Frank - We know it... we are very fortunate indeed. In every way.
Penny - We store the energy in a big battery bank. We have solar panels too. We have no traditional source of power, except of course a gas generator when there is no wind or sun for about 3 days. The winter is the worst, but in summer we can go for months without having to use a generator.
Thanks for your interest in the wind power.
It's nice to see something working to help the enviroment.
Awesome Georgina! This is the first I've seen of residential wind power. It's so great to see this going on and terrific to utilize the natural resources right where we are.
Excellent post!
Michael - it's time for a change - a homeowner's associaiton can agree to change the CC&R's in their neighborhood with enough votes. Don't let them push you around! Push back.
Marti - It's been a slow process, but it's happening faster now. Thanks for making me an associate!
Chris - When it works, it really works!
Gary - That's interesting that it's part of what's offered to you. But can you also do a tie-in system and sell the power back to the company, or at least do net-metering? Please look me up next time you come over.
Deborah - from what I hear, it's happening in a lot of places now, all over the world.
Wind power is becoming more and more accepted as we search for alternative to burning fossil fuels.
Georgina is right about changing outdated regulations. More locales are making it simpler to put in green improvements. You may still run into realistic height limitations that make wind impractical, but would allow solar. At the same time as many regulations are easing, people are still fighting off-shore wind at Martha's Vineyard and many bird-lovers are opposing large wind turbines because they think they are harzardous to migratory birds. We'll get all this sorted out in due course, but for now most reasonable projects are being permitted.
I'm always amazed when I got to Hawaii to see so much wind energy and such pure sunshine, and so much power being generated by imported oil. Hawaii is probably our richest state in terms of natural abundance, but the power company is not as forward thinking as many on the mainland. Maybe we can change that.
Randy - We can get pretty close alright. It's a good feeling.
Dave - We are our own worst enemies. Thanks for the thoughtful comments. The times they are a changing.
Georgina - great post! Florida only has a couple of places with enough consistent wind to make it financially viable - at least at this point with today's technology... and you're right about pushing back on home owner's associations... the Florida Legislature this last year made it mandatory for HOA's to allow energy -saving/producing devices to be allowed- even in already existing neighborhoods!!!
Eva - that is really encouraging news from Florida - we CAN make a difference
Mary - that's good news for everyone in windy areas
BJ - dream? most of the time it is, with the occassional hiccup
Joan - those are the first ones I've seen too
People here are really motivated to lower their electric costs which are currently 30 cents per kilowatt, and climbing.
Georgina~
I'm recommending this to be FEATURED...what a great post...and I love the photos! THX!
janeAnne - Well thank you ma'am!
I lived in Utah for 6 years and had good use of 4 solar panels. We just moved to Kahuku on Oahu and it seems windy enough here for a wind turbine. I have been unable to find any regulations on any of the Honolulu websites to tell me whether there are any regulations.
Would you have any idea where I can find out this info? Have been unable with google so far!
Mike - I wish I could help you. Have you asked anyone in the planning/buiding department?
We just did it - didn't ask for permission. Of course we're out in the country on a large lot and it's zoned AG. A lot of it will depend on your zoning and your county rules.
At least in this economic climate, you won't meet as much resistance for trying to be "green".
Good luck!
aloha - Georgie Hunter
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts with us. Have a nice day and a Happy Holiday Season! Regards,
Wind turbines are used to generate electricity from the kinetic power of the wind. Historical they were more frequently used as a mechanical device to turn machinery. wind generator