The idea for the wind turbine project originated in an Environmental Studies class taught by Amy Seidl. Through Middlebury College’s Environmental Grant program students in the class received funding to look at the potential for wind power on campus including feasibility, investigation of sites and potential funding sources. Based on their findings the College created a project that would assist the State of Vermont to explore the technology necessary for wind-generated electricity, collect information about available wind resources, provide research opportunities and offer educational outreach.
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The tower was raised on Thursday, July 28, 2005 for adjustment of guy cables and the anchor system.
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Connection of power from the wind turbine to the Recycling Facility’s electrical system was completed in late August.
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The dedication of the Wind Turbine will be held at 1:30 on Friday, September
23 rd as part of the Clifford Symposium.
Turbine specs
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The tower is 100 feet high and was manufactured by NRG in Hinesburg, Vermont.
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Vermont Green Energy Systems of East Middlebury, VT was the contractor.
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The 10 kilowatt turbine model Excel-S was manufactured by Bergey Windpower and weighs approximately 1200 lbs. including the generator.
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The diameter of the blades (rotor diameter) is 22 feet.
 Tower is “tilt-up” version for installation and maintenance purposes
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The generator will produce electrical power that will be converted to 240 volt single phase (useable for typical households).
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The turbine has a life expectance of 20 years and requires little required maintenance.
Funding
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The cost of the project $45,000.00.
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Middlebury College received a United States Department of Energy grant for
$22,500.00. The Vermont Department of Public Service will administer the grant.
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The remaining funding of $22,500.00 was provided by Middlebury College. One half came from Facilities Management and the other half from an environmental grant through the Environmental Council.

Applications
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Supports Middlebury College’s Carbon Reduction Initiative
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Power will be used in the Recycling Facility to offset current power demands.
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Project will use net metering to measure use. Power generated by the wind turbine will displace power that Middlebury College would be buying at current prices from Central Vermont Public Service.
Research
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Project is part of an initiative between Middlebury College and the State of
Vermont to collect and disseminate data about small scale wind turbines.
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Data on wind resources (speed, direction) will be monitored daily and be posted to a website available to anyone interested in wind turbine research.
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Project will assess the value of net metering.
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Project will have an outreach component that will provide for tours of the site and information about operations of the turbine.