Jon Kaplan, owner of Pearl Road Auto Parts, has been considering this move and researching it for more than fifteen years.

On Thursday, construction of a 140-foot tower topped with a wind turbine complete, he made the oficial transition and began generating his own electricity at his salvage yard.

He said "The wind turbine's really a perfect fit here." "That's all we do here is recycle. We recycle mercury switches, freon, gasoline, and now we're going to produce electricity."

The cost of the reconditioned turbine, tower construction and final installation was nearly $450,000.

However, his monthly electric bill was running about $2,000. Between thne savings in monthly utility bills and sizeable government incentives, he believes that the wind turbine will pay for itself in only eight years, or possibly less.

He also is moving into the wind turbine business with the formation of his new company, Pearlwind.

"They make sense for any business that uses $2,000 a month in electricity," he said.

Stefanie Spear is the project manager for Kaplan's switch to wind power.

"The big advantage to the business owner is knowing what you will have to pay for electricity," she said.

Spear firmly believes that Cleveland is in an excellent position to make wind turbine manufacturing the next big industry for the area.

"Ohio is already the number two state in manufacturing renewable energy components. We should manufacture wind turbines, put 'em together and ship them around the world. We could become the leaders in this technology, right here in Cleveland," Spear said.

Efficient with wind energy

The Piqo is a viable solution for self-generating energy and reducing CO2 emissions. Even when there is little wind energy generated by the Piqo, the sleek micro-wind turbine’s maintenance is quiet and designed specifically for the built environment. With the revolutionary and innovative design and integrated systems, the wind gets the highest efficiency of its kind, higher than solar energy is able to return. The turbine is deployed for many applications, not only for business but also for the private market. The small turbine can be placed on flat roofs, sloping roofs and freestanding masts. The Piqo pays for itself, without subsidies, within 7 to 8 years in full.

Richard Kleefman, director of Everkinetiq international is very proud of the launch: The Piqo is a micro-windturbine for local and distributed energy induction. With Piqo hope we have an important Dutch export product on our hands, which will occupy a prominent position in the sector of sustainable, green energy. We have already built an international dealer network that will ensure sale and placement of the turbines.

Technical information

• Rotor diameter 1,120 mm
• Maximum depth 585 mm
• Weight 75 kilogrammes
• 3-blade turbine optimised by means of CFD
• 3 kW generator with active targeting
• Turnover of 3000-3500 kWh per year (at an average wind speed of 6 m/s)
• Payback for individuals is 7 up to 8 years
• Made entirely with recyclable polyethylene

Application possibilities

• Business and company spaces
• Houses
• Transmission masts
• Schools
• Sanding and storage
• Parking garages

About Everkinetiq International

Everkinetiq International provides, develops, produces and advises concerning decentralized energy solutions. With a nationwide network of recognized installers, Everkinetiq provides services for individuals, companies and governments. The company makes products such as solar panels, solar water heaters, energy-saving lighting and micro wind turbines.