SEAFORD, Del.- One Sussex County couple has taken the next step to becoming as green as possible. Peter and Carolyn Kotinsky own a home in the River's End community in Seaford, and recently installed an 80-foot wind turbine in their backyard. The couple felt it was a great way to do their part in helping the environment.
"We wanted to conserve energy," said Carolyn Kotinsky. "In these times of pollution and trying to have a cleaner planet and area, this is an energy efficient clean source of energy."
Before installation could begin, Peter Kotinsky had to take a training program in Oklahoma for a week to learn how to build the structure. After he returned, the hole was dug, cement was laid and the tower was erected. The total construction process took about three months to complete. Peter said the federal Green Energy Act allows homeowners to install wind turbines like his.
After it was installed, Peter said there was some concern from neighbors over a possible noise problem. WBOC spoke with some people in the neighborhood who said after realizing the noise was very minimal, the turbine was no longer a big issue. In fact, Peter said it has become somewhat of a local tourist attraction.
"It's almost like an icon in River's End," he explained. "We have people coming here and taking pictures and giving us the hi sign."
During Hurricane Sandy, the turbine produced 200-kilowatt hours in about a day's time. The couple said their electricity meter was actually running backwards during the storm.
"Between that and our solar panels which we also have, I believe that we will save at least 50 to 60 percent on our energy bill," Caroyln Kotinsky said.
The couple added that in seven years' time, the wind turbine will pay for itself, making it, in their minds, a worthwhile investment.
(Photo: WBOC)
