Reno, NV (November 15, 2010)- Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe unveils its newest energy source – the Windspire® (http://www.windspireenergy.com)  wind turbine! The three 33-foot tall turbines were installed on the north side of its Winters Creek Lodge. The turbines will help offset the lighting costs for the new Winters Creek Lodge during the upcoming season.
“Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe is a large advocate for using the Earth’s natural resources in its daily activities” said Ron Cox, Director of Sales at Windspire Energy. “We are excited that the Windspire will now be a part of their efforts to move more towards environmental sustainability and stewardship.”

Considered a relatively small wind turbine, the Windspire provides a low-cost, safe and energy efficient method for harnessing power from the wind. It produces approximately 2000 kilowatt hours per year in 12 mph average winds. This is approximately one-third to one –fifth of the energy usage of an average U.S. Home for an entire year.

Becoming a sustainable ski resort is an effort that Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe has been making for the past decade. According to a statement by General Manager, Paul Senft, “Mt Rose- Ski Tahoe continues its dedication toward maintaining a sound and successful environmental policy that will both sustain and strengthen its precious natural resources.” Some of their initiatives include restoring native vegetation, a recycling and waste reduction program and transportation initiatives that decrease air pollution. To learn more about how you can Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe’s initiative to “Go Green” log on to http://www.mtrose.com/on-the-mountain/green-rose and read “Sustainable Slopes.”

About Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose is Tahoe’s closest skiing to Reno, located 25 minutes away from Reno and 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose boasts over 1200 acres of terrain, including the 200+ acre Chutes, and the new Winters Creek Lodge.
About Windspire Energy

Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines.  Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings.   The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction.  The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

Berwyn, Illinois — November 22, 2010— Cermak Plaza has joined the green revolution by adding 12 new wind turbines in the parking lot located at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road.

“Cermak Plaza has long provided public art for its patrons and the neighborhood to enjoy. When I saw the elegant wind spire turbines – it clicked, we could generate electricity while at the same time keeping true to the David W. Bermant (Cermak Plaza’s original developer – 1957) philosophy of ‘Color, Light and Motion’,” states Michael Flight of Concordia Realty Corporation (the principal developer for Cermak Plaza Associates LLC), “The interplay of light bouncing off the rapidly spinning turbines really adds to our $10 million renovation. And the really fantastic thing is they will also reduce our common area energy costs. It really is a homerun!”

“Cermak Plaza has always enjoyed a rich history of breaking the mold and providing more than an average shopping experience,” Robert J. Lovero, Mayor of the city of Berwyn, announced, “The use of green energy continues their innovative pursuits. The City of Berwyn encourages their pursuit of sustainable development.”

“We are thrilled too that we were chosen to install the new turbines and help promote our green initiative,” said Bernie Schmidt, CEO of Renewable Energy Alternatives, located in Northbrook, IL. “It’s exciting to see that going green is no longer just a fad but rather something that Chicago and it’s surrounding areas are embracing and moving forward with such as the Cermak Plaza has done this year. With a variety of both State and Federal incentives currently available for new customers, our energy specialist are able to assist each client in making sure that they receive the maximum incentives available to them” states Mr. Schmidt.

The 12 new turbines, manufactured by Windspire Energy, will produce an approximate total between 18,000-24,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. They work best where average winds are 11 mph. Unlike the traditional wind turbines, the unique monopole vertical-axis is a result of years of research, plus a creative strategy to turn renewable energy into an everyday realtiy.

About Renewable Energy Alternatives LLC
Renewable Energy Alternatives LLC is the Midwest’s largest and most experienced Windspire installer. We perform wind and site evaluations, design the projects and perform the installations and commissioning. Our innovative engineering team can design custom and standard Windspire installation for residential and commercial. Our in house financial team will calculate electricity cost savings and payback information as well as procure all available grants for our clients. Bernie Schmidt, BSCE our founder and CEO has been featured on several local TV news spots for his innovative Zero Energy Homes in Chicago, found on You tube under “Solar Verde”. Or you can go tour website at www.renewableenergyalt.com for more information.

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

Who: The Howell Family

What: Two Windspires

Where: Pleasant Valley, Nevada

When: September 2009

Why: The Howells decided to take advantage of the robust wind resource in their neighborhood by installing twin Windspires. They believe in tapping into renewable energy resources to help future generations including their grandchildren. Their neighbors have also installed the vertical wind turbines, making six total Windspires in this gusty Washoe Valley neighborhood.

Video:

To date, we have no reported bird incidents with the Windspire wind turbine, and actually have one story of a bird who built a nest below the generator housing.  We believe the slow speed in which the Windspire turbine’s blades spin in comparison to the wind speed, also known as Tip Speed Ratio, allows birds to see the blades so they can fly clear of them.  We don’t have a specific bird safety study to cite, but we think this picture says a whole lot (maybe even 1000 words) on the subject.

Raising the first red Windspire in Reno, NV

Recently, we celebrated the launch of a new green building company in Reno, Nevada with the raising of a Windspire at the home of the new company’s owner.  Better Building Company will perform energy audits for homeowners to help them understand what they can do to make their homes more efficient.  Their team of contractors will make changes to the home and will also be installing Windspires for customers who have a good location with adequate wind that want to use wind power to generate clean energy.  With over 50 people in attendance, we raised the Windspire- custom painted in RED! A representative from the local power company, NV Energy, was on hand to talk about the $3000 rebate the owners will receive once the Windspire is hooked up to their net meter.  With bright sun and a strong 15-18mph wind blowing during the event, it was a great day to celebrate renewable energy.