By Logan Hawkes
Port Isabel – South Padre PRESS

Could a day be coming soon when Port Isabel and South Padre Island’s need for electricity could be greatly satisfied or reduced by a series of small, individual wind turbines that silently and diligently perform their jobs while we sleep and work and play?

At the regular Port Isabel City Commission meeting Tuesday night commissioner’s listened to a presentation by City Manager Ed Meza that may prove to be the first step in a long series of steps to help the city become  more energy independent in the years ahead.

In the presentation, Commissioners were told local businessman Jay Carlson has proposed a pilot project involving the use of a Windspire wind turbine at the Port Isabel Library to help the city save on energy usage and to possibly pave the way for additional turbines that could eventually lead to less electrical power consumption for both the city government and eventually for local businesses and residents.

“It’s all about ‘going green’ in the years ahead and figuring out a better way to utilize clean energy while saving money in the long run,” said Port Isabel Mayor Joe Vega about the Windspire project. “While installing one small wind turbine is not going to solve all our energy requirements, this project represents a chance for the city to determine just how effective the system would be and how that might relate in energy savings for the years ahead.”

The Windspire system utilizes a small vertical wind turbine unlike the larger, propeller-driven wind turbines you might see in a commercial wind farm. The slender Windspire measures about 30-feet tall and uses a silent vertical axis wind power appliance that loks as much like a yard ornament as it does an energy generator.

“The unit is relatively small and can be installed just about anywhere the wind blows,” says Vega. “This is not like those tall, powerful windmills with multiple propellers. These turbines were designed by use in businesses and residential applications and can easily be installed in crowded neighborhoods or business districts.”

Carlson, who is the local dealer for the Windspire System, approached the City with the idea “to demonstrate the system’s efficiency and value”. The cost of the pilot project would be covered by Carlson. The idea is if the system proves effective and trouble free, it may well be adapted for use at other city facilities like City Hall.

“We (the city) have been looking at green projects over the last couple of years.” Says Vega, pointing to the Port Isabel recycling center as an example. “The idea is to be more environmentally responsible and at the same time more energy efficient in the years ahead.”
At only 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide, the Windspire 1.2 KW wind turbine is distinguished by its propeller-free design and nearly soundless operation. Designed for use where you live and work, the Windspire is currently powering homes, small businesses, schools, museums and parks all across the country.

The 1.2 kW (1200 watt) Windspire will produce approximately 2000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year in 12 mph average winds. In Port Isabel and on the island, that could be even more.

“One turbine unit isn’t going to power the entire library, for example, but it will help the facility to use less energy off the grid. This would represent a savings to the city,” Vega added.

Click here to learn more about International Renewable Energy Systems in Port Isabel, TX.