GREEN SPOTLIGHT: Windspire from Mariah Power
Posted by Josh Burroughs on Sun, Jan 17, 2010 @ 10:52 PM
I read a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News showcasing the newly installed wind turbines at Adobe's headquarters in Downtown San Jose. Mariah Power's Windspire technology is yet another great example of unique ways to generate power for your business, while delivering it in an affordable, attractive, and ultra-quiet scenario.
The Windspire technology is lauded as the most affordable energy appliance in the 1 kilowatt range.
A 30% federal tax credit (available in the USA) and local rebates are available in some areas. The average payback is under 10 years.
Aside from being virtually inaudible, the 650lb devices are made in the US using 69% recycled materials, and have a 20 year lifespan with a zero maintenance policy. I'm hoping to see more technologies like this placed in the urban environment, whether in applications like the Adobe Systems towers, or at hotels, resorts, and even your backyard to power your house!
Each 1.2 kW unit is designed to produce 2000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year in 12 mph average winds; an average U.S. home uses 8,000 to 10,000 kilowatt hours per year.
Typical installed cost is $9,000 to $12,000 for each, before rebates and tax credits for renewable energy, according to Mariah Power"s Website.
For more information on the technology visit Mariah's website at: http://www.mariahpower.com/windspire-overview.aspx
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For more information on ways to design energy saving technologies into your next project, contact Jeff Current at jcurrent@barryswensonbuilder.com . Our talented LEED AP staff can walk you through the process from start to finish!