Sunday, December 21, 2008

Tower Delivered to Antrum County


Well we got the tower up to Bellaire, MI with to many problems. Other then when we got to the site to load the guy's loader would not start. So he went across the road and borrowed the neighbors tractor. Once loaded we were on our way. It was a long day but we made it happen. This is our next turbine to be installed as soon as the nacelle arrives, which should be mid- January. Currently SWWP is eight weeks out on their turbines.

Friday, December 19, 2008

In the Thumb

I was in the Thumb waiting for the storm to pass. So I thought I would take some video of my dad's turbine today. It was really spinning pretty fast today once the sun came out. We are going to Ludington tomorrow to move a 45' tower to Bellaire, MI for a project that I am doing there. If you would like to read more about that project click here. I will be posting pictures of our trip in the next day or so.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Proven Wind Turbine


I am currently looking at marketing the Proven wind turbine. But before I do I am looking for people that have a Proven unit or have experience with the unit. Please post to this blog or email me with you comments or experiences. I am looking for the pros and cons of this unit. Thanks.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Antrim County News/ Flynn project update

Thanks to Hadley Robinson for doing a great job on the article in the newspaper. If you have not read this article here is the link to it.

Just got an update call from the Flynn Project. She received her electric bill for this month, last year she paid $100 for electricity for the month of November, this month she only paid $60 for the month of November.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Scottville is complete


Yesterday we finished the Hanson project in Scottville. This was our second 60' unit since doing these. We installed this for a dealer in the Ludington area. We have teamed up with West Michigan Solar and Wind to do their installations and service work for their customers.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Newletter #1 coming out this weekend

We have our first newsletter coming out this weekend, actually it is getting sent out Sunday morning so it will be in your inbox on Monday. But if you are not one of the people that got this newsletter here is the link to view it online and the link where you can signup to get it in the future. I am hoping to do a newsletter every 6 months. Just to let people know how things are going with these wind turbine projects. I hope you enjoy and I am looking for suggestions for future newsletters, so do not hesitate to email your suggests along or post them on this blog.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Just a quick update

Well winter is finally here I believe and it is going to slow us down with our installation for the year. It's like we are waiting for stuff to arrive or just trying to get a projects started.

I still have the anchor bolt offer going on until the end of the month, so do not wait until January 1, because the offer will be over.

Had another interview with the newspaper in Antrim County, they are doing an article on my father-in-laws wind turbine that we are installing for him. I will place a link on this blog when I find out more information.

Well since I can not be outside because of the weather, I am doing my first newsletter which will be out within the next few weeks. So keep your eyes on your in box for that. If you want to subscribe to the newsletter here is that link. Subscribe to Newsletter I am going to try and do two of these a year just to keep people informed with what is going on at J.D. Stratton Electric, Inc.

Our next project in the Thumb, we will be using SWWP new tilt-up 45' tower. I am excited about using this tower because now we will not have to use a crane. So if in the future we need to make repairs we can just tilt it down, make the repairs and tilt it back up. Nice and easy.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Antrim County


We started on the next turbine yesterday in Antrim County this will be our second unit on this side of the state. My father-in-law has wanted a wind turbine since the 70's and now is getting his dream. He told me that back in the 70's these units were going to cost $50,000 at the time. We are installing his for around $16,000. The turbines back in the 70's were only 120 volt systems and not very efficient. Today's units are 120/240 volts and much more efficient than before. I spoke to a retired engineer in the area and he said that the Skystream is out producing more than what the company says they will. So that is from someone that has a unit and is not part of SWWP. So that is great news.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

IT IS STILL NOT TO LATE !!! SAVE OVER $3000.00 THIS YEAR !!!

Well it looks like winter is here for awhile. But it is still not to late to install a new wind turbine of your very own. As a mater of fact we are starting one next week up in Antrim County, we have another in the Vassar area and one to finish in Scottville. I am hoping to sell on more before the end of the year, because I have one set of anchor bolts left and I need to get them out of my garage. If someone reads this blog, calls me, says the saw this and buys a turbine yet this year. I will give the anchor bolts to you for your project. The anchor bolts are a $625 dollar value, plus with the new Federal tax credit for a small wind turbine. That is a savings of $3225.00 off the price of a wind turbine. So the average price of new turbine, installed is between $16000 - 17000 with the above mentioned discount the cost would be between $12700.00 - $13700.00. So call and lets get yours in before the end of the year. Do not let this deal just blow right on by. Call today !!!! (231) 668-4626

Monday, November 17, 2008

Millington Project is complete


I guess I should say we are waiting for the power company, as far as I am concerned my end of it is done. They home owner is extremely happy with the whole project. Our next project is going to be done probably this week in Scottville. We are getting ready to install a 60' unit for the dealer that I work with in that area. I will upload pictures when we have that unit up. We have two more units that we have to install yet this year.

Friday, November 7, 2008

60' Turbine in Custer, MI


We started a new wind turbine project yesterday in Custer. This unit was sold by West Michigan Wind and Solar of Ludington. We have teamed up with them to offer our customers the best sale and service available in the wind turbine industry. We are on a constant look out for new technology so that we can offer the most current turbines available on the market today. We handle the project, from start to finish, so you do not have to.

We will be heading back to the Thumb nexxt week to complete the Millington project. I will be posting pictures of that project next week as things progress along there.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

62' high is a long ways down




I was fixing a turbine the other day that is 62' high and I took a few picture to show how far you can see from that height.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

GS4 Expo and prize winner


I finished the expo yesterday and had a great turnout. I had 49 people sign up for the Powercost Monitor and had 6 people wanting a site assessment of their property. I will start calling first of next week to schedule a time to meet with them. The winner of the Powercost Monitor was Larry Vanderburg of Traverse City. There was a lot of people interested in what I had to offer. So if it something that you would like for yourself give me a call and I will visit your property too. Thanks to all the people that visited my booth at the expo.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Millington Project


We finished the base for the next wind turbine in the Thumb area. We used the SMART Base foundation from SWWP. It was a pretty easy install. We used 5 1/2 yards of concrete to fill the hole. We are installing a 45' tower and turbine on this base. The base is rated for a 60' tower, for future use if wanted.

It is still not to late to have a wind turbine this year. I have anchor bolts in stock and ready to install, while your turbine and tower are on order for deliver to your property.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Markup another one

I received a call last night from my father in law and he said he was ready for me to install a new wind turbine for him. This will be the first in Antrim County.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Setting things straight

I want people to know that I am not a Skystream dealer, but I currently am working with a dealer in the area. Some say that I am not factory authorized to work on these units, that is true but I am going to the factory this winter to become factory authorized, as soon as the next class becomes available. But as long as I am working with a dealer I am authorized.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Millington Project

I have been a little slow about getting this project listed on my blog. I have started another wind turbine in the MIllington area. It is located on Irish Rd. We will be there Wednesday to pour the foundation for the tower. We will be using a different foundation that we have not used before, so thing will be interesting. I will post some pictures when are done next week.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

GS4 in Traverse City

I will be at the Green Expo at the Hagerty Center October 25th from 10am - 4pm. I will be at booth 42. I have a prize that I am giving away while there at the show. It is a PowerCost Monitor from Blueline Innovations click this link for more information about it. I hope to see you at the expo. Stop by and say Hello.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law

Small Wind Turbine Federal Tax Credit is Law

Today Congress passed legislation, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424, that includes a new federal-level investment tax credit to help consumers purchase small wind turbines for home, farm, or business use. A few hours ago, President Bush signed the bill into law. Owners of small wind systems with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity and less can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. The credit will be available for equipment installed from today through December 31, 2016. For turbines used for homes, the credit is limited to the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.

“We thank Congress for recognizing and supporting small wind systems as an important contributor toward energy security and a cleaner environment. This credit will help individuals cut their electric bills while combating global warming and reducing our importation of fossil fuels in a tangible way,” says Ron Stimmel, Small-Wind Advocate with the American Wind Energy Association.

This legislation marks the first federal incentive for small wind systems since 1985. Industry members say the credit could foster U.S. market growth of 40% or more annually for the largely American based industry.

AWEA, its members, and allies have advocated for a 30% federal investment tax credit for small wind systems 100 kW and smaller to put the industry on equal policy footing with the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. The two technologies share the same market. The broad legislation passed today also extends and expands a similar credit for the solar industry that was first passed in 2005. Residential and commercial solar PV installations can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential applications and uncapped for commercial uses.

The U.S. has historically dominated the global small-wind market but has faced pressure in recent years from overseas nations that have implemented strong domestic incentive programs for small-scale renewables. The U.S. small wind industry projects that the enactment of this federal credit, combined with a forthcoming equipment certification program, will help secure the U.S. market as the global leader thus providing thousands of new jobs for Americans.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Tuscola Appointments for October 16th.

I have been receiving a lot call for people that would like a site visit to their home in the Tuscola County Area. I will be back in town October 16th if anyone else that would like to meet with me to talk about wind turbines. I currently have two appointments, one at 3:30 and the other at 5:30. So give me a call and lets shot the breeze. (231) 688-4626

Also my next wind turbine that will be going up will be in the Millington Area. We still have time to install these wind turbine yet this year.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Tax Credit is coming

I received an email telling me that there was a tax credit coming for small wind turbines, here what the email had to say.

Urge Your Representative to Vote for a Small-Wind Investment Tax Credit
This week the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 6049, which contains an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for small wind systems, an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for large turbines, and other legislation benefiting renewable energy. The bill overwhelmingly passed the Senate moments ago with a vote of 93 – 2 and is now making its way to the House for a vote. This could be that last opportunity this year for Congress to pass this legislation.

The bill includes an eight-year, 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential and commercial applications of small wind turbines. Small wind is defined as turbines with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts and less.

Please contact your Representative and urge him or her to vote Yes on H.R. 6049. by clicking here.

So please click the link and help us get that tax credit for those of you that would like to get a wind turbine for yourself.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Hutchison Project/ Updates


I was informed yesterday that the Hutchison's project was put on line yesterday by Detroit Edison.
So those who would like to see working stop by M-81 heading towards Cass City and they would be more than happy to show their turbine.

The Flynn project is still spinning along the turbine has produced 80 kilowatt hours for the month of August. So she so far has averaged 100 Kilowatts a month.

Tuesday the 9th we finished the Matuszak this project has been the biggest tower to date that I have installed for a customer. It is 70' tall overall. But I can see the advantages of going that high for a turbine, wind is straight and fast at that height.

The Matuszak project is next to go online either this week or next. I will now next week when I go back to the Thumb.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Tuscola County Advertiser


Wednesday there was an article in the Tuscola County Advertiser for the Hutchison Project. Since this article has came out I have been asked to come speak before the Farm Bureau in Caro on October 17th. I will post a time and place when I know more about this event.

We are installing the Matuszak's turbine Tuesday at 2:00pm, this will be the third turbine in Tuscola County and the tallest tower that I have to date. I will put pictures of it installed when it is done. Here is a picture of the tower laying on the ground.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Update from Caro, MI


We started Tuesday in Caro, MI on two wind turbines for the Hutchison's and the Matuszak's on their property just East of Caro.

Tuesday we completed the Hutchison's base and have the wire ran back to the house.

We had no problem with the installation with the base. The ground is so hard here that we didn't even need a tube for the concrete. The hole was 12' in the ground. We are installing a 45' tower on this project.

Wednesday we poured concrete for the Hutchison project first thing that morning. After that was completed we moved all our equipment over to the Matuszak project to start on their base and wire. The Matuszak's were getting a 45' tower also, but the owner is a metal fabricate and wanted his tower an additional 62' feet. He built an extension 17' long that will be added to the 45' tower.

Also this base had to be increased for the addition height of the tower to 15' in the ground. Again it went off with out a hitch.

Today we are going to install the Hutchison's new pole and turbine and we will also be pouring the base for the Matuszak's.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Starting Next Week

Starting next week starting Tuesday, we will be in Caro, MI starting on our next two wind turbines in that area. We will be installing a 60' tower and 45' tower. I will post pictures as we get things started.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Something new

I added something new to my web site, you will be able to follow along each month what the output of the Flynn wind turbine is producing each month. I added a chart along the bottom of my alternative energy page showing what each months output is.

I currently have two turbines ordered and will be installing them later this month. As soon as those projects start I will be blogging about them as they get underway.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Quick update on the Flynn project

I am going to put a monthly Kwh output of this wind turbine in a chart on my web site. It will show how well this turbine is doing each month with power production. This month it has produced 99kwh for the month which is not bad considering it has not been that windy lately.

How the Wind Turbine works

Many people keep asking how does the Wind Turbine store the electricity. Here is a short video that I found from Southwest Windpower on how they work.



Friday, July 18, 2008

Sold another one

We will be starting in Caro, MI in a few weeks with another wind turbine project. It will be a Skystream with a 45' tower and it will be located on Colwood Rd. I will keep you posted as we get a little closer to the installation time. Still waiting for the zoning approval which takes time when it comes to installing a unit. The Flynn and Stratton projects are doing very well with the electricity outputs.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Kilowatt update

Yesterday I stopped by the Flynn project and since June 9th when I installed the kilowatt meter on the output side of the wind turbine, it has produced 129kilowatt hours for one month. So the wind turbine is averaging around 4.3 kilowatt hours a day. Not bad since we are heading into the least wind time of the year.

Since May 22 she has bought 595 kilowatt hours and was able to send 48 kilowatt hours back onto the grid.

Her average electric bill was about 600 kilowatts a month. As you can see it has made a difference.

We still have yet to receive an electric bill because of it falling at the end of the month when we started the wind turbine, billing has to catch up. We should be seeing a bill some time this month. I will do another update again after we receive that bill.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

New Weather Station

Today I installed a personal weather station so that I could keep track of the current weather at the Flynn project. Here is the link to that weather station which is uploaded to Wunderground.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Update to the Flynn Project

As of today the wind turbine has produced 103kwh since June 9. She has had to purchase 510kwh from Cherryland Electric and she was able to put 43kwh back on the grid. That is very good considering that we are in a slow down for wind.

Those people that I have spoke to in the past couple of weeks, you need to buy now. I just received an email from dealer and the cost has just went up about $1000.00 a unit. I will honor all quotes until the time listed on the quote that you received from me when I visited the other day. After that I am forced to raise the price to the new level. If I could get five people to purchase one of these units in the next fifteen days I can get a little better deal on shipping and I am willing to pass that saving on to you.

If you wait until next year I feel the price will be through the roof.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Wind Turbine on a boat?



Yes that is correct I now can say I installed a wind turbine on a sail boat. I had received a last week if I could install an Air Breeze on a sail boat out in west bay here in Traverse City. I of coarse said sure. So yesterday I did install and it works great. What it does is charge the batteries up on the boat, because the boat is moored out in the bay there is no shore power. Will you might as well take advantage of all that FREE ENERGY that is just blowing by. I have a supplier of this type of technology so anyone out there with a boat can now have a wind turbine too.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Front Page of the Tuscola County Advertiser


Well I finally hit the big time, front page of the Tuscola County Advertiser. As I posted earlier my dad and I were interviewed by the Advertiser and it came out today. Here is the link to that story.
Tuscola County Advertiser

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tuscola County's first wind turbine is complete


Yesterday I meet with the power company to get their final blessing and of coarse it was not windy. So they have to come back some other day to do their final check. But they did change the meter and told us to leave it on. So as far as I am concerned that is another one done. We also meet with Stacey Tucker from the Tuscola County Advertiser, she came out to do a little interview on my dad's newest venture. So that was exciting. I currently do not have another wind turbine to install as of yet but I am meeting with ten people this next week for estimates for wind turbines. I have potential customer that I already meet with and I think that he will sign the contract for one. So cross my fingers.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Another hurtle over come


Yesterday we received our final electrical inspection for my dad's wind turbine. Tomorrow the power company comes to see what we have installed. This is their first on their system and the first in Tuscola County. Once they come and give their approval we be able to leave it on permanently.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Base is complete


Yesterday we were able get the cage built, anchor bolts in and the base poured full of concrete. I was all so able to get all the wire ran and hooked up to the base and panel. Today we are going to get the pole set in place, the nacelle on, and the gin ready. We are not going to lift pole until Sunday, I want to give that base time to get really hard. Tomorrow the electrical inspector is coming out to check my wiring. So I will have that hurtle out of the way.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

My next wind turbine

Well we made over to the Thumb Area yesterday afternoon. We started digging the hole as soon as we got here. Of coarse it did not go easy, we ran into a huge pile of rocks buried in the ground. My Dad and Uncle thought that my Grandfather had buried and old barn there. I will have to get after him when I see him later today. But once we got through them it went pretty smooth. Tube is in the ground and we will be ready for concrete this morning. Once we have this poured I will start burring the wire from the house to the base and installing the disconnects for Friday when we will be lifting the turbine in the air. I will put pictures on this blog as soon as I get back to Traverse City.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Let's get busy doing the next one

Well I am finally off to install my dad's long awaited wind turbine. It has been a complete struggle to get his one off the ground. I ordered his wind turbine the same time that I ordered the Flynn project wind turbine. So it has been awhile but none the less, I will be leaving tomorrow to start his wind turbine. I will have pictures to post on this blog as we get things rolling.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Time for an update

Since I installed the new kilowatt meter the other on the output side of the wind turbine, it has produced 51 kilowatt hours of power for 6 days.

She has used 314 kilowatts of power from the power company and put back out on the grid 36 kilowatt hours.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Update M72 Project



Stop by there today to check the meter to see how much power has been used. She has bought 181kwh and was able to send 20kwh back out on the grid.

Friday we installed my new sign to advertise our installation. I have received one phone about it already so that is very encouraging.

Even Rex and Dana were there to help also.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Be prepared to pay more for electricity

Just after our interview was reported on Fox 33 News at 7. They later reported at the 10 clock news how most people here in Michigan are going to see a 10% to 15% increase in their electrical. So if things can not get any worse, they just did. Now is a great time to get into the movement, to help yourself be less dependent on the power company.

TV Interview update

Well there you go we received our first interview for the Flynn project. It was my ten seconds of fame, but I will take it. I will be placing another clip on this blog, from that same news broadcast that just helps this whole wind turbine cause. It about the cost of electricity going up.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

TV Interview


Today we were interviewed by Fox 33 News. Vic McCarty had contacted Judy Flynn to talk to her about her new wind turbine on her property and asked if she and I would be willing to do an interview with him. So today at 1:00 we did an on-site interview for Monday's news cast at 7pm on Fox33 news. If I get a digital copy of that interview I will be sure to post it on this blog.

Friday, May 30, 2008

M72 Wind Turbine update

Today stopped by my wind turbine on M72 and the wind turbine has put 10 kwh back out onto the grid. The customer has bought 95kwh from the power company. The wind continues to be good at that site. As you can see these wind turbines do work. Stop by and take a look.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Latest install update

I was out to my customer's house where I installed her new turbine. She has bought very little power from the power company and has put back 7 kwh to the general system. It was so windy there yesterday the wind turbine kept shutting down because of the large gusts that were coming through. The wind turbine has a safety that is built into the system to prevent damage to the unit. When the wind blows above a certain speed, the governor stops the turbine from spinning. After the unit readjusts for the wind it starts spinning again.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Power Company

I can not thank Cherryland Electric Cooperative (CEC) enough for making my first wind turbine install so easy. They came out today to install the new bi-directional meter. This meter registers how much power is generated from the wind turbine, how much CEC power is used, and how much wind turbine excess power is put back onto the grid for general use. This meter allows the customer to get a credit for the extra power they generate but do not use. This job is now complete!

My next wind turbine will be in the Michigan thumb area but the power company (Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC)). It seems they do want anyone to install wind turbines in their area. Kind of defeats what our Governor wants us to do. She has put out the call for individuals to invest in alternative energy businesses, but it seems that every where you turn there is someone trying to block that effort.

For example TEC has set up their net-metering agreement so that the average residential customer can not have any alternative energy source in their yard. TEC is telling customers that they have to get a special insurance policy to allow the electric coop to be added to that policy. If they had not asked for this type of policy, then your regular residential home owner policy would be sufficient. Instead the customer would have to buy a commercial liability policy which costs any where from $2000 - $3000 a year. That single requirement just added 25% or more to the cost a new wind turbine. It is tough to get people to buy a wind turbine or any other type of system with that type of requirement. In turn this will cause people to be held over the barrel by the electric company and people no longer will be working, because of the loss of potential sales. Defeats what the Governor wants us to do to help bring our state of this recession. Something to think about. Contact your local state representative and demand that the state get there net-metering agreement to a reasonable level in order that it not be so difficult for a residential customer to buy that wind turbine or other alternative energy source.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Received the blessing and the finished product.


Well it is official I received the final ok to start our first new wind turbine for Leelanau County.

I meet with the electrical inspector Ted Klumpp today at the project and we talked about a few things that I had done to prepare for this project. He only had one little issue but was a quick fix.

The power company was not able to come out to the project to view it get started. But I did receive a phone call from them to go ahead let her rip.

This job is now completed. I am currently test two other sites at this time for wind turbines and I have one sold in the Thumb Area of Michigan that is next be installed as soon as the power company there gets their net-metering agreement and my dad gets his insurance issue straightened around.

I also will be starting a wind test in Rose City as soon as I receive my new anemometers. Things are looking up.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Up, Up, and Away




Well today was an excellent day for us at J.D. Stratton Electric, Inc. We installed our first of many wind turbines in our area. We were going to do this later in the week, but we was able to get a crane today. So no time like the present to get this done.

As you can see we used a very large crane to lift this 45' tower into place.
You can see me hooking up the wiring up inside the pole. Yes I do work every once in a while.

I need to thank Elmer's for the professional job that they did for me today. Without them we would not have gotten this baby up. I will be using their services again in the future.


Here was what it looks like completed. So if you are looking a new wind turbine in your life , then give me a call and lets see what we can do for you.

Our next step is for an electrical inspection and for Cherryland Electric to come out see it work .

Monday, May 19, 2008

Pole in place


Well I got back out to the job a few days early than I thought. It was such a nice day I could not resist working outside.

Today I was able to get the wire in the ground from the house to the pole.

We also managed to get the pole moved up the hill too.

I will be starting to get the nacelle installed on the top of the pole soon, so that we can lift it up onto it's base.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Base


Yesterday we finished the first part of the new wind turbine for the Flynn project. We ran into a few obstacles but we soon over came them in the end. The base is poured for the pole this week hope to get the pole in pace so we can start installing the nacelle on to the pole.

Today I will be going out to the project to check on the freshly poured base and also try to start getting the wire in the ground from the house to the pole. Wish me luck.

Base ok

Just got back from the Flynn project and base did not have any rain spots on it from yesterdays rain that went through.

It was very wind and cold there today, so decided not to trench today. I will probably do it on Thursday.

I will post pictures when I am done.