Norton Shores, in Michigan, through Eklund Alternative Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon county, will be putting up a swift wind turbine on top of the municipal building, 4814 Henry. The information generated by the wind turbine will be available to residents considering a turbine for their own home. While the foundation grant will cover the cost of the turbine, which is $1,000, the city will pay about $1,500 for installation.
The Swift model turbines have been produced by Cascade Engineering. The small turbines with a 7-foot blade produce a small percentage of the electrical power at municipal buildings.
A three-month wind study is expected to begin soon at the municipal building.
The main purpose is to explore wind energy and be a proponent of wind power, Dick Maher, the city’s community development director said. I think it’s a great project.
Maher said that the project will allow Norton Shores to be better able to answer questions from residents about wind turbines. The Norton Shores City Council in 2008 passed one of the area’s first ordinances allowing wind turbines in residential, commercial and industrial areas.
The main purpose is to explore wind energy and be a proponent of wind power.