SEI Workshop

I plan on using this site to chronicle my experience with a small wind turbine installed at my Guemes Island home. The turbine was installed as part of a week long SEI wind workshop. The class was attended by about 20 people from the US, Canada, and Mexico. The course was led by SEI's Northwest coordinator, Ian Woofenden, Ian is also the Senior Editor for Homepower Magazine. Co-instructor for the course was Hugh Piggott of Scoraig Wind Electric. During the six day course we were able to erect a 165ft, guyed latticed tower with an Abundant Renewable Energy turbine - the ARE110, with a Ø 3.6m rotor. Installation was guided by Kelly Keilwitz and his capable crew at Whidbey Sun & Wind. In the near future there will be a anemometer added to the tower and a data logger installed. As soon as reliable data is acquired, I will publish it here. In the weeks prior to the class there was a significant effort by Guemes Islanders Tom Fouts and Doug Moser. Tom and Doug managed to clear the site, excavate and install forms in time for the concrete anchors and tower slab to be poured and cured. John and Lisa Kennan-Meyer provided coaching on the permit process and I think, due to the their work with Skagit County on their installation, our permit sailed through without a hitch.

Thanks again to everyone for a great week on Guemes!