Farm Boy Energy | Green Energy

From the president on down, we all grew up with rural, agricultural backgrounds. We may be out pulling a wrench or running a crane or keeping the books, but we’re still farm boys at heart. (Farm girls too.)

Featured Question: Are wind turbines cost effective?
With the financing, government grants, and tax benefits available, we can design and install a turbine for you with zero money out of pocket.

3. How much do wind turbines cost?
Wind turbines can range from $19,000 to more than $1,000,000, depending on your energy and installation needs.

4. Are wind turbines reliable? I’ve heard about farmers in Northern Iowa who had wind turbines installed and they don’t even work. 
Unfortunately, that is a common occurrence. If a company doesn’t offer a turnkey solution from A to Z, you’re probably going to be disappointed. There are going to be things you need that you aren’t even aware of. Unscrupulous contractors and brokers have given used machines a bad name. Our remanufactured turbines actually have a better warranty than some new ones.

5. I’ve heard wind turbines are really noisy.
In the old days they were, and a lot of units still are. But with the units we sell and install, the wind is louder than they are.

6. Is it true wind turbines interfere with television and other communications?
No, that’s an urban myth.

7. Will I have electricity during a power outage by using your turbine?
No. Virtually all of our units are grid interconnected. They automatically shut off during power outages to protect the safety of utility repair crews. If the units ran during a power outage, it would back feed the line and possibly electrocute a repairman.

8. We’ve heard it’s a real pain to interconnect with the utility company.
What you’ve heard is right. It’s a tedious and complex process that involves an enormous amount of paperwork, but we handle everything for you. A project manager is assigned to your job when you purchase a turbine, and we will take care of all the paperwork and headaches.

9. We’ve read on the Internet that turbines are dangerous in the winter because they throw ice.
Not to worry, we have safety features incorporated into our blade design that prevent ice throwing and build-up.-The conditions needed to cause ice throwing are so rare that they aren’t worth mentioning.

10. How many birds will my turbine kill?
Your turbine will kill fewer birds than your car will kill in its lifetime. This is another very rare occurrence.

11. Will my turbine fly apart in high wind conditions?
No, it won’t. Our units are preset to the manufacturers’ specs for a suicide kick-out. When the wind speed hits a certain mph, a governor disables the unit, allowing it to swing into the wind and stop turning so the turbine won’t over-rev and fly apart.

12. Do your units require maintenance? We found several on the Internet that were advertised as maintenance-free.
Yes, all of our turbines require maintenance. Service and maintenance is furnished by Farm Boy Energy at no charge for the first year. We also offer an extended service and maintenance agreement. Anyone who advertises their unit as “maintenance-free” is trying to sell you a bill of goods. Common sense tells you that anything mechanical requires scheduled maintenance.

13. Will lightning hit our turbine?
Yes, it is possible that lightning could strike your unit. Your insurance company should cover any damages that you might incur, plus we offer a lightning warranty.

14. How long will my unit last?
With proper placement and scheduled maintenance, it is not unreasonable to expect a 30-year life before a major overhaul.

15. Are the insurance rates on wind turbines exorbitant?
No, you’ll spend more money on insurance for a combine or a tractor of comparable value.

16. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to buy and install a wind turbine on our own? Why should we have Farm Boy do it?
No, it wouldn’t be cheaper. You will most likely spend more money attempting to do the project yourself. If you’re a “do-it-yourselfer” on unfamiliar terrain, you are at the mercy of the people you’re hiring for a one-time deal—these are people who are probably not experienced in wind turbine projects. 

Consider the following:

• Paperwork and applications will consist of zoning, permits, an interconnection agreement, financing, and insurance
• Engineering for your soil and foundation, site placement, and electrical wiring
• Equipment organization, like a crane and operator, backhoe, trencher and specialized tools, such as 1400 pound torque wrenches, spud wrenches, and a concrete vibrator.
• Hiring workers experienced in the following trades: dirt excavation, concrete, heavy equipment, steel erection (160 feet in the air), electrical wiring, turbine assembly and adjustment.

The list could go on and on.

At surface level, a “do-it-yourself” project may seem cheaper, but when you add up the specialized trades and required equipment—you’re far better off using Farm Boy Energy. 

At Farm Boy, we do it all, and the price we quote includes all aspects mentioned above and more, including items you haven’t thought of. We are truly a “turn-key operation.”