The Jiminy Peak Resort is celebrating the first birthday of its 1.5 megawatt wind turbine. The turbine, nicknamed Zephyr, is thought to be the first megawatt-class turbine installed by a privately held company. So far, the resort has had impressive success with Zephyr.

The resort is based in western Massachusetts and sees most of its visitors in the winter, for ski season. This cycle made wind power a logical choice for Jiminy Peak, because the mountain winds blow hardest during the winter. The turbine stands 253 feet tall, with three 123-feet blades. It generates 4.6 million kilowatt hours of energy — enough to power 613 houses.

The turbine's installation began in the fall of 2006. Jiminy Peak actually had to build roads on existing ski paths in order to get the turbine to its final destination and did not begin bringing in parts until the spring of 2007. Gradually the turbine came together, although transporting its blades caused a few dilemmas. According to an interview with the resort's spokesperson, the task "Required a carefully choreographed effort between New York and Massachusetts power companies, safety officials, police departments and state troopers in two states, and the patience of motorists."

Many small businesses are interested in green energy options, but assume that wind, solar and other power options are out of reach due to cost. Jiminy Peak can be considered a proof of concept — small businesses can afford sustainable power choices. In some cases, such a decision can actually improve a company's finances in the long run.

Consider the numbers Jiminy Peak crunched: The turbine and its installation cost $3.9 million. Jiminy Peak received a Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant for $582,000. Yes, the resort had to come up with a significant amount of money to cover the cost of its turbine, but the 1.5 megawatt Zephyr provides significantly more energy than the resort needs to run. Jiminy Peak will sell approximately $161,000 worth of electricity every year — and the turbine has an expected lifetime of at least 20 years. Additionally, Jiminy Peak will pick up a $46,000 tax credit every year.

Without question, a large wind turbine requires a significant capital investment. But it's an investment that can pay itself off within six years, and after that?  No electric bill.

Photo — PilotGirl