Jun 29 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Chuck Rupnow The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis.


A family, the Fall Creek school district and Xcel Energy could all benefit if a 120-foot wind generator is constructed within the village of Fall Creek limits, according to Jeff Burns, who is eager to get approval for the generator on his property.

Burns has approached village of Fall Creek officials about the proposal, which he hopes will be approved in time for possible completion yet this year.

"The (village) board seems excited about it and wants to move forward, but they just want to make sure everything is in place," Burns said.

Burns, electronic resources facilitator at Eau Claire's L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, has been interested in renewable energy for a long time, has attended Midwest Renewable Energy Association classes and taken site assessment certification classes.

While Burns hopes to eventually help other home owners assess renewable energy and energy use reduction plans, he is focusing on plans for the wind generator on his family's 16-acre property on the west side of the village.

"I'd like to do two things -- have the wind generator and solar hot water for sure," Burns said, adding that the generator would have a 3- to 5-kilowatt system.

With seven children (between ages 4 and 19), Burns said, "I'm trying to offset my electrical use and this would be a good way to do it. I'm just trying to do some carbon offsetting. The payback on hot water will also help.

"When it's grid tied, basically what happens is that Xcel would pay me back 10 cents a kilowatt hour that I'm not using," said Burns. "I'd like to have it up and running this year, but I have to wait for the green light from the village."

Burns also said he plans to contact the school district.

"I'd like the district to use it as a learning tool for the kids," he said. "There is a diagnostic tool on the wind generator and solar system, so they can see how it works. Getting children interested in renewable energy is a very good thing."

The tower would be about 400 feet off U.S. 12, and would be visible despite being located in a field by some woods.

Village Board President Len Madsen said he is in favor of renewable energy sources and likes Burns' idea and approach, but wants to make sure the village has an appropriate ordinance in place.

"We are trying to allow (Burns) to site it, but we want to allow it so that it works for anyone else who is trying to do it in the village," Madsen said. "Safety and noise are two of the bigger issues. We want to do it the right way."

There is no timeline on the ordinance.

"He is being very good about it; not trying to rush us," Madsen said. "I think we'll do it right. I think it's a good idea because we all need to be a little more energy efficient."

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