DWEA Installer of the Month      

Honoring Randy Faller of Kettle View Renewable Energy

The Installer of the Month awards are given to members of the distributed wind industry that have done exemplary work to advance the industry. The award highlights individuals that go above and beyond to not only support their business, but the entire distributed wind industry by removing barriers in their region and promoting opportunities for other colleagues to succeed.

Colleagues around the industry nominated Randy Faller of Kettle View Renewable Energy in Random Lake, WI as one of DWEA's 2012 Installers of the Month. Randy has been in the industry since 2006 and installs a variety of systems including the Northwind 100, Endurance 5kW, Bergey 10kW, and Jacobs 20kW.   

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Randy said, "I like the variety of the work. Each install, site and customer is different. No two days are alike. There are no shortages of challenges, good or bad. It's never boring!"  

Faller acknowledges that the Wisconsin market is tough. To endure, Kettle View has had to adapt their business plan to fit the market. One of the things that they are doing is expanding O&M to be part of the business. They also offer blade refurbishing. Faller says, "the distributed wind industry is diverse and things are always changing. We adapt to the changes."  

When asked about advice for new or fellow installers, Randy said, "roll with the changes and be adaptable. Be sure to support our industry in any way possible by advocating for wind on a local level with permitting and zoning boards. We also have to heard on the federal level."

Thank you, Randy, for you leadership, passion and commitment. The distributed wind industry is better because you are in it! 

Wind power is gaining popularity in the US Virgin Islands, where residents pay an average of $0.42/kWh for electricity.

On November 13, 2011, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the St. Croix Reformed Church (SCRC) in Kingshill on the island of St. Croix. This installation was the result of over a year of planning, applying for grants, and working with the local government toward the installation of a wind turbine. The project received a $50,000 grant from the Virgin Islands Energy Office, and the rest of the cost was donated from church funds.

In February 2012, Jeff Cabrera of Mayan Windpower installed the Bergey 10kW turbine on an 18m galvanized tower with a motorized raising system from American Resource & Energy. The system is projected to save the church over $700 per month on its electricity bill, over $126,000 over the next 15 years.

For more information, see the SCRC website at http://stcroixreformed.org.