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Soldotna family finds energy solutions blowin' in the wind

by Scott Jensen
Friday, August 28, 2009

SOLDOTNA, Alaska -- You've probably heard more and more about green power over the last several years: high energy costs, dependence on foreign oil, non-renewable resources are all reasons alternative energy sources have been gaining steam.

One Soldotna family is taking advantage of new technology and a new business trying to tap into the market.

"The basic design actually came from a drawing that Mary did on a napkin," Henry Krull said. "We wanted to build our dream home on the Kenai River to be able to take advantage of the fishing primarily."

Not to mention the four-and-a-half acres -- and the view. After more than a year in design, Henry Krull and his wife Mary finally made it happen. Construction began last April.

And with their perfect life falling into place, they've embraced what nature offers.

"We'd definitely planned to build an environmentally friendly home," Henry said.

"It's the right thing to do," Mary said.

"The wind turbine fit right in with what we designed from the get-go," Henry said.

The Krulls have erected a 65-foot tower for their wind turbine that, when operational, will hopefully supply half of the new home's power.

Nadia Daggett sold the Skystream 3.7 Compact Wind Turbine to the Krulls. She says her business has picked up because zoning codes have changed allowing turbines within city limits -- that, and also because people think greener these days. But Daggett's company's goal stretches beyond a reduced carbon footprint.

"We're very passionate about trying to reduce our dependency on foreign oils," she said.

"I'm interested to see what it sounds like, if there is a sound that comes from it," Mary said.

"There is a little bit of a hum that goes down the tower," Daggett said. "But we've actually isolated those. You shouldn't have any sound in those at all."

Quiet, and for the Krull's cost effective. Considering what they paid up front and the Kenai River wind patterns, their break-even time frame is between 5 and 10 years.

"If you can reduce the amount of electricity that you have to buy from the local electric company and the amount that they need to produce, I think you're doing a good thing," Henry said.

"These technologies are available now," Mary said. "It'd be a shame to ignore it and not use it and incorporate it into our homes."

The Krull family won't move in until January, but that won't stop their Skystream from powering the property now.

"From here on out we'll be using the energy created by the turbine on windy days, of course, to help supply the energy needs for the home during construction," Henry said.

They're taking advantage of what Alaska freely gives so they can enjoy what Alaska freely gives.

"We'll be begging for wind every day. We never did that before," Henry said.

There soon might be more and more of these towers dotting the countryside. The city of Homer just passed a zoning ordinance this week making it easier for land owners to install wind turbines.

For around $15,000 you too might be able to put one of these in your backyard. That may sound like a lot, but there are tax breaks and utility rebates in some cases.

In addition to zoning codes, Daggett says permits, neighborhood covenants and even FAA regulations can affect the kind of turbine allowed in your area.

Contact Scott Jensen at sjensen@ktuu.com