Archive for May 31, 2012

Local Wind Turbines Boost Property Values

Four new independent studies are showing wind turbines have either no impact on, or a positive impact on neighboring property values.

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Photo Courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S

As has been indicated in (real, scientifically reviewable, transparent) study after study in Europe; wind turbines in view, or even on the horizon do not negatively impact property values.

In fact, these studies show a correlation not between wind turbines, but between anti-wind groups’ activity and lowered property values. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Funny enough, when the battles are over, and the wind turbines are up and spinning, acceptance and property values go right back up where they are everywhere else, and in some cases rise.

This shows any correlation of lowered values directly related not to the wind turbines themselves, but lowered because of the activities of the very people against them.

Read all about these studies here:
Quora:Do wind turbines reduce the value of nearby properties?

Enough Offshore Wind To Power the World

Another cool map that shows what it would take to turn the entire world’s energy supply to just offshore wind.
Power the world from landartgenerator.org

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Greenfest at Long Beach, NY

A beautiful day it was, so we got out, taking in the offerings at yesterday’s third annual Greenfest

First, and much to my surprise we were greeted at the entrance by Robert and Barry From Solar Windependence

Robert and Barry From Solar Windependence

Robert and Barry From Solar Windependence

and their out-front-and-center, attention-grabbing display of the much talked about Honeywell Windtronics WT6500 wind turbine.
Groundbreaking and Controversial for the very same reason… It attempts to bring affordable wind power generation in an easier to install unit that achieves the enviable (or questionable) task of rooftop wind(do your own research on that!). Also interesting is the electricity is generated in the outside at the blade tips, as they go around the outer edge instead of at the hub. For the moment, we’re going to defer on wether we like it or not, until we see it in action. Thankfully, Solar Windependence have a number of installations lined up that we can (hopefully) track output and usability issues that have made this unit such a hot topic. We will be checking up on that progress at a later date.

We met the guys from new Long Beach business concept Deco Bike.

The Guys From Deco Bikes

The Guys From Deco Bike. (Left to right:Myles, Dickie, Mike, and Danny)

Another controversial (see Sea By The City) new business with a modern and green concept: they’ll be setting up 13 kiosks in town. You may rent a bike at any of those kiosks and return it at any other, saving gas, taxi trips, traffic congestion and the worry of locking up a bike while you visit the beach, shop, get your car fixed(ha), eat a great meal at one of the local restaurants or whatever.

We spent a few minutes with Dennis Meyers of Home Star Energy Service

Dennis Meyers from Home Star Energy Service

Dennis Meyers from Home Star Energy Service

learning about their free home energy audit, which will yield you a list of solutions from weatherproofing to solar panels to change the way you use energy… In many instances at no cost to you after rebates and energy savings.

We couldn’t help but admire the cool bikes Max from Local Cycles (516.390.7085) had with him.

Max and some custom designs from Local Cycles

Max and some custom designs from Local Cycles

He offered a test drive, but I declined. I said something about wanting to stay on task..maybe next time, but that sure would’ve been a great distraction!

Finally we caught up with EmPower Solar who we’ve met before.

Empower Solar at Greenfest

Darren and Chris from Empower Solar at Greenfest

We spoke to David Schieren about a host of issues including the recent decision to add 33% tariffs to Chinese manufactured solar panels.
He said it is basically bad for the whole industry, but at the same time, the slack on the lower prices will be made up by Malaysian, Indian and other manufacturers. 

When told we’re one of EmPower’s tweeps, he said we’re the first he’s met in person!

We spoke briefly about their involvement with installing the 100kw turbine, solar panels and e/v charging stations for the Town of Hempstead at the town’s Clean Energy Project at Point Lookout.

We also briefly visited other displays from Greener Country,
And Long Beach Kayaks, amongst others there for the day.

Long Beach Kayaks

Long Beach Kayaks

All in all a great day talking with some very interesting people. Too bad, one of the people we were hoping to meet, Joe Sinonna, Long Beach real estate entrepreneur, green advocate and organizer of Greenfest didn’t cross our path. Hope to meet him another time.
Were you there? What did you think?