It Takes a Village (or Student Body) to Raise a Wind Turbine: Appalachian State University and Alteris Renewables Install Community Scale Turbine

Appalachian State University with project partner Alteris Renewables, Inc. will today complete the installation of a largely student-funded 100 kW wind turbine at the highest point on campus. The turbine was paid for in significant part by a student-elected renewable energy "tax."

Boone, NC (PRWEB) June 24, 2009 -- Appalachian State University with project partner Alteris Renewables, Inc. will today complete the installation of a largely student-funded 100 kW wind turbine at the highest point on campus just above the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on the university's main campus. The Northwind 100 "Direct Drive" turbine is manufactured by Northern Power Systems of Barre, Vermont.

"It's a new moment for Appalachian State University and the state of North Carolina," said Patrick Beville, Design and Construction Project Manager for Appalachian, "We have strong wind resources in our state, and it's time for more institutions and businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to generate power from the wind as well as other renewable energy sources."

It's a new moment for Appalachian State University and the state of North Carolina

We have strong wind resources in our state, and it's time for more institutions and businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to generate power from the wind as well as other renewable energy sources.

This is very much a student-led achievement, from the initial conservations about bringing a wind turbine to ASU to raising the funds and spearheading this project.

Appalachian State University and the student-led Renewable Energy Initiative on campus are setting a solid example for the next generation of energy use in North Carolina

The fact that the students felt strongly enough about this project to contribute funds to help make this turbine installation possible should be a source of pride for Appalachian State University.

A student-led initiative, the ASU Renewable Energy Initiative, began in 2004 with the goal of adding renewable sources to the university's energy mix. The students overwhelmingly agreed to contribute $5 per student, per semester to bring renewable energy technologies to campus, including the wind turbine that will soon spin over the Broyhill Inn. New River Light & Power was also a large contributor to the purchase of the turbine, helping pay for costs not covered by the students' contribution.

Crystal Simmons, student project manager for the turbine installation, said, "This is very much a student-led achievement, from the initial conservations about bringing a wind turbine to ASU to raising the funds and spearheading this project."

"Appalachian State University and the student-led Renewable Energy Initiative on campus are setting a solid example for the next generation of energy use in North Carolina," said Bob Chew, President of the Wind Business unit of Alteris Renewables, "The fact that the students felt strongly enough about this project to contribute funds to help make this turbine installation possible should be a source of pride for Appalachian State University."

Media Contacts:
Appalachian State University:
Jane Nicholson
nicholsonrj (at) appstate (dot) edu
828-262-2345

Alteris Renewables
Bob Chew
bobchew (at) alterisinc (dot) com
401-447-7835

About Appalachian State University:
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, Appalachian State University has built a national reputation for providing outstanding academics. With a student/faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 25, faculty members are able to take a personal interest in student progress, often becoming mentors, advisers, and friends. That can only happen in a close-knit community.

Nestled at the base of Howard Knob, the university is located in downtown Boone, NC (year-round pop. 15,000), a small town which thrives as one of the Southeast's premier tourism and outdoor recreation destinations. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest provide a beautiful natural setting with unlimited possibilities for outdoor adventure.

Appalachian is a public institution and part of The University of North Carolina System.

About Alteris Renewables:
Alteris Renewables is a full service renewable energy systems integrator and project developer with over 2,250 completed solar and wind installations. Alteris provides PV (photovoltaic - "solar electric"), solar thermal, and wind energy solutions for commercial, residential, education, municipal and institutional clients. The company has industry-leading expertise in engineering, design, project management, performance analysis, project financing and renewable energy credit programs. For more information, please visit http://www.alterisinc.com.

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