Windmill will install turbine for energy, attraction

PENN YAN—After three years of researching alternative energy sources, The Windmill Farm and Craft Market is getting an unusual looking wind turbine.
Lauren Welch, manager, said the plan went before the Barrington planning board Wednesday, Aug. 4. However, he said the town has already given him permits to pour the concrete for the base of the turbine. He added the tentative installation date is the week of Aug. 9.
Welch explained he has been looking into solar panels and wind turbines as a way to offset energy costs at The Windmill. He called the energy bill “outrageous.” The turbine will also be on display, part of the attraction of The Windmill. Welch added he would like to install more of these turbines in the future.
The turbine will be located in front of The Windmill complex, visible from Route 14A. Welch said it and the current windmill will be parallel to the road. He added he is purchasing the 38 foot high model, which will be just shorter than the 42 foot windmill.
Welch said he is going with a turbine company out of Rochester, called Wind Tamer Turbine. The company creates three heights of turbines, with the 38 foot model being the tallest. Unlike the turbines that dot the hills in Naples, Wind Tamer Turbines have smaller blades in what looks like a megaphone. The widest part of the head is 16 feet across (in the model Welch is purchasing).
The turbine will also be visible from the building housing the eating area. Welch said the windows will look out onto the turbine, and it will in turn help power that building. He added part of it will be glassed off so people can watch as energy is produced.
“It’s a great place to put it and have people see it,” he said.
Welch said he wants to buy two more turbines next year, and hopefully get a total of six overall. He added he still wants to install solar panels as well. Welch explained the cost for one of the turbines is $17,500, after grants and rebates.