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small wind Success StoriesCase Studies Wind Power Promotes Core Mission at North Carolina Applae Farm
Ron and Suzanne Joyner operate a small orchard and nursery that specializes in preserving antique and heirloom apples in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. With the help of a small wind turbine, they’re also looking to preserve old-fashioned self-reliance. The Joyners’ 75-acre apple farm near Lansing features all the modern appliances of American life, yet they are not connected to the power grid. “We are developing a self-sufficient farm. Relying upon renewable energy sources has been part of our plan all along,” explains Ron. The Joyners put up a 900-watt Whisper H 90, manufactured by Southwest Windpower, next “We are absolutely happy with our small wind turbine. It has been completely trouble-free and is ideal for our particular situation,” says Ron. He’s considering using the wind turbine in his marketing materials. “Not only do I want to generate new business for the apple farm, but also advocate the importance of renewable energy sources.” Ron says the wind turbine is an essential complement to his solar system. “We had long periods of little sun during winter,” he says. The Joyners use a gas-fired generator as a backup. They plan to soon add another 300 watts of solar capacity to keep up with the growing energy use that has come with the success of the Big Horse Creek Farm. Ron says few of his neighbors are taking advantage of the region’s “tremendous wind resource,” though larger wind farms may soon go up nearby. The Joyners wish more people would follow their example. “I believe in a decentralized power system in which individuals and communities are producing their own power. We need to reduce demand on the grid. We’re doing it here – and quite successfully -- at Big Horse Creek Farm,” says Ron. Reflecting on the experience of energy independence, he concludes, “You get a real appreciation for your own energy usage when you produce your own power. Conservation becomes second nature.”
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