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small wind Success StoriesCase Studies Oregon Farmer Seeks Energy Self-Sufficiency
Elgin, Oregon - Charles Koch of Elgin, Oregon, owns Medicine Creek Farm in northeastern Oregon where he raises cows, chickens and turkeys. Three years ago, he installed a 400 Watt Southwest Windpower Air 403 small wind turbine. A year later, he also purchased an old Jacobs small wind turbine rated at 17 kW. “I’ve always been interested in energy self-sufficiency,” admitted Koch. “And renewable energy seemed like a good way to do it.” He has relied upon wind power largely by accident. “I kind of fell into wind power by getting some good deals on equipment,” he said. Even though his Jacobs is currently in the shop for repairs, Koch remains a big fan of wind power. “I bought the Jacobs used. It is an early ‘80s version and the controls are not as sophisticated as today’s machines” he explains. In comparison to the Jacobs, his Southwest Windpower machine has performed seamlessly. “It just keeps going and going,” commented Koch. “I really encourage people to investigate small wind turbines. Electricity and natural gas prices are going up. Folks should go ahead and invest in their own small wind turbine before we all go broke!” Installing the first small wind turbine was fairly easy, though his local rural electric utility put up some resistance. “It took a while for them to get used to the idea,” he reminisced. “They wanted to impose some onerous net metering provisions on me. When it was pointed out that they were not in compliance with a recently passed state law, they backed down,” reported Koch. His small wind turbines are the first to be interconnected with Oregon Trail Electric Coop’s grid in Union County. Koch estimates that up to half of his electricity is generated from the wind. Since winter is the season when his demand for electricity is highest – and the wind blows hardest – the two small wind turbines are a good match for his farm and home. “I really want to get my Jacobs up and going again before winter hits,” he admitted. Koch is now exploring solar photovoltaic options “to balance off” his wind power generation. He already utilizes solar thermal tubes, radiant floor heating, and many energy efficiency technologies to reduce his electricity demand. “My goal is to be 100 percent self-sufficient,” he remarked. “I can’t guarantee I’ll get there, but I’m sure I’ll get a lot closer than I am now.” Success Stories Home | Small Wind Home _______________________________________________________________
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