With the wind gusting across Lackawanna County, it was a fitting day to install a wind turbine at the State Police Barracks in Dunmore. The idea is to lower energy costs at the building.
"We're looking to see how well this works out, and hopefully they can stretch it out to other barracks across the state and other state offices," said Trooper Connie Deven.
The turbine can produce energy equivalent to about 25 lit 100-watt light bulbs. Over the course of a year, it can add up to a potential energy savings of about $20,000.
The $775,000 that went into the project to not only put in the windmill but also change out light fixtures and replace windows will all be paid off within about 15 years according to the state.
TPC Power Center is installing the turbine. The company said the turbine alone can save homes and businesses up to 50 percent on their utility bill.
"The average house uses about 1,000 kilowatt hours a month, a unit like this will generate around 300 to 500 kilowatt hours a month," explained Dan Broadt of TPC Power Center.
An average wind speed of about 10 to 12 mph is needed to make it profitable. At the barracks in Dunmore the average wind is about 13 mph.
The state police plan to install another wind turbine at the Wyoming Barracks in Luzerne County as early as next year.
"We're looking to see how well this works out, and hopefully they can stretch it out to other barracks across the state and other state offices," said Trooper Connie Deven.
The turbine can produce energy equivalent to about 25 lit 100-watt light bulbs. Over the course of a year, it can add up to a potential energy savings of about $20,000.
The $775,000 that went into the project to not only put in the windmill but also change out light fixtures and replace windows will all be paid off within about 15 years according to the state.
TPC Power Center is installing the turbine. The company said the turbine alone can save homes and businesses up to 50 percent on their utility bill.
"The average house uses about 1,000 kilowatt hours a month, a unit like this will generate around 300 to 500 kilowatt hours a month," explained Dan Broadt of TPC Power Center.
An average wind speed of about 10 to 12 mph is needed to make it profitable. At the barracks in Dunmore the average wind is about 13 mph.
The state police plan to install another wind turbine at the Wyoming Barracks in Luzerne County as early as next year.
