Kenosha resident generates green power, profits from wind & sun

From a press release issued by Focus on Energy:

KENOSHA, Wis. — Charles Heide of Kenosha is the latest Wisconsin resident to discover the benefits of clean, renewable energy, including reduced energy costs and the satisfaction that comes from helping preserve the environment. His recently completed solar electric and wind systems feed surplus power back to the grid, resulting in monthly energy bill credits.

In June 2007, Heide installed a large 35-kilowatt (kW) wind turbine and in September2007, he installed a 10.5 kW solar electric system. The projects were completed with the help of nearly $65,000 in grants from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program.

Each year, Heide’s wind and solar electric systems will generate more than 87,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, enough to power eight typical Wisconsin homes. The renewable energy produced by these systems will offset the burning of 44 tons of coal and the release of more than 100 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global climate change.

Earth Day Celebration, April 26, at Havenswood State Forest

John Bahr, a member of RENEW Wisconsin’s Board of Directors, will make four presentations at the Earth Day Celebration at Havenwoods State Forest:

10:00-10:15  Alternative energy sources
11:00-11:15   Cool Cities program
12:30-12:45  Wind power
1:15- 1:30       Global warming

Saturday April 26, 2008
Havenwoods State Forest
6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee
1 block west of Sherman Blvd. on Douglas Ave.

John began his career with General Electric doing process and product design. After receiving a Ph. D. in biomedical engineering he was appointed to a faculty position by the Medical College of Wisconsin where he did research, system development and taught in the Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics. He has authored several books and technical papers, and went on to manage two new national businesses in medical data processing before retiring. He also chairs the Energy and Global Warming Committee for the Sierra Club.