Optimizes internationally patented technologies to deliver quiet and vibration-free clean energy
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081027/AQM040)
"With rising energy costs and increased environmental consciousness, we've seen more people turning to small wind. For the past several months, we've been inundated by requests for SWIFT before we even launched the product," said Michael Ford, head of the renewable energy business unit for Cascade Engineering. "The SWIFT Wind Turbine design solves many of the challenges of previous residential and commercial scale wind turbines: it registers as a whisper on decibel charts, it's efficient, it's safe and it's clean."
Small Wind Growth
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the small wind turbine market is expected to grow 18-20 percent through 2010 -- despite the lack of federal-level incentives for small wind systems to date. However, accelerated growth is expected as new tax incentives go into effect in January. With the incentives, residents may see a credit up to $1,000 per system and commercial customers may see a credit up to $4,000. These incentives are expected to catalyze a 40-50 percent annual growth in the industry, making renewable energy more attractive to businesses and consumers.
SWIFT Blows the Charts
The SWIFT Wind Turbine is one of the quietest wind systems available generating less than 35 decibels of noise at all wind speeds. SWIFT's five blades are seven feet in diameter and require a minimum blade-roof clearance of approximately two feet. The design focuses on safety, reliability, ease of operation and high-performance, which allow it to offer:
-- Quiet, vibration-free rooftop operation to avoid noise disturbance
-- Sustainable design enabling it to become carbon and energy positive
within four years
-- Safe, efficient and autonomous operation
-- Innovative design that makes it aesthetically and acoustically
attractive
-- Building mountable allowing use in urban and suburban areas.
The SWIFT Wind Turbine also achieved the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certification by MET Laboratories, Inc., which is a global symbol of safety. The SWIFT inverter complies with the requirements of UL 1741, the Standard for Inverters, Converters, and Controllers for use in independent power systems.
Customers Embrace Wind
The first Michigan commercial customer installation of the SWIFT was unveiled today in a ceremony in the lobby of the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, owned and operated by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in Muskegon, Michigan. The ceremony was attended by Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm, Congressman Peter Hoekstra, local business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce and interested community members.
"We were eager to install one of the first SWIFT turbines on the roof of the Frauenthal as a demonstration project," said Arn Boezaart, vice president of Grant Programs for the Community Foundation of Muskegon County. "It's not only a clean and cost-effective energy supplement for us long term, but a 'best practice' example that will educate the community about sustainability principles and renewable energy technology that positively impacts on our environment."
The SWIFT implementation was funded by Lou Eklund, a long time local business man and philanthropist who wanted to bring renewable energy to the local community. He envisions assisting other non-profit organizations and government offices with similar projects to help them realize cost savings, efficiencies and learn about sustainable energy practices.
"Given everyone's need to become more cost and energy conscious in light of anticipated energy rate increases and economic challenges, it makes sense for organizations to look to alternative energy as one way to lower utility bills and operate more efficiently," said Eklund. "I felt we needed a good demonstration project to help jump start the applied use of alternative energy. The energy bill recently signed by the Governor plus new incentives from the Federal government for small wind will really increase the viability of projects like this."
Bringing SWIFT Home
Depending on the installed price, conventional electricity costs, wind speeds and incentives available, the SWIFT Wind Turbine can pay for itself in as little as three years. Currently, SWIFT turbines are available in the Northeast U.S., Great Lakes States and Western Canada. For more information please contact Cascade Engineering's Renewable Energy Group toll free at 866.544.5520 or email Email Contact. To find a dealer nearest you, visit http://www.SwiftWindTurbine.com.
About SWIFT
The SWIFT Wind Turbine is the first quiet rooftop wind turbine that generates electricity by harnessing the power of the wind providing you a clean energy source for domestic, community and industrial use. Optimally sited this turbine will produce approximately 2000 kWh of electricity per year.
About Cascade Engineering
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cascade Engineering is shaping ideas in plastics through the development, engineering and manufacturing of plastics products. The company is a leader in engineered plastic systems and components for the solid waste, automotive and industrial markets. The company also produces components for OEM customers as well as Cascade Engineering branded products.
Web site: http://www.SwiftWindTurbine.com/