The Rural Voice, 2003-04, Page 38Paul Martin's
wind turbine
provides all
the power
for his
Elmira -area
farm. Kim
Delaney's
house (right)
uses solar
panels to
create
electricity.
aul Martin loves windy days.
On days like that he's getting
his electricity for free.
Martin's house and barn just
outside of Elmira have never been on
the hydro grid. For years the
Mennonite farmer has simply relied
on a diesel generator to provide the
modest electricity needs of his farm
34 THE RURAL VOICE
As free as the wind
Wind and solar generation of electricity is
attracting new interest and systems have come a
long way, but there are still challenges
Story and photos by Andrew Epplett
and family home. Over the years, the
rising cost of fuel and his concern for
the environment led him to consider
the alternatives to diesel.
"I have always been interested in
power of nature, of both wind and
water. Since the rules on using
Canadian waterways to generate
electricity are so strict, I had to go
with wind power." A few years ago
he started doing research into wind
and solar generating systems.
Ironically, his search for information
from a manufacturer of renewable
energy systems in the Maritimes led
him back to Ontario, to a friend and
neighbour from some 15 years
before, John Hogg.
John is the owner of Free Breeze
Energy Systems (www.freebreeze.com),
a supplier of wind and solar energy
systems based in the Harriston area.
A certified electrician, John designs,
installs and maintains wind and solar
systems for commercial and domestic
applications. Once Paul contacted
him, they set about examining Paul's
needs to determine what type of
system would best suit him.
"I only need power for a few
things. I need to run the lights in my
Karn, the floor heating system to keep
the little pigs warm, and the pump
from my well to the 5000 -gallon
holding tank up on the hill." Inside
the house there are few appliances
that require power: a modest spin
washer, a clothes iron, and an electric
heater. The Martin household relies
on propane for cooking, and a
propane -fired boiler in the basement
to provide heat and hot water for the
home. Given that their energy needs
are greatest in the winter, and taking
into account the weather conditions
of the region, John recommended a
wind system.
Since Paul's property is slightly
sheltered from the wind, John
suggested an 80 -foot tower for the
turbine. On a flatter terrain, like that
around John's own home and
workshop, a 60 -foot tower would be
sufficient. Paul was able to scavenge