For several years Bob Hammond pondered what might be done with the wind machine standing in his orange orchard. Power to the motor had been disconnected and the prop spun freely in the wind which regularly swept across his trees near the Santa Clara Riverbed. The machine, installed in the 1950s, really wasn’t needed in the micro-climate surrounding Bob’s orchard and had not been used in nearly 10 years.

Last July Bob read an article in Central Coast Farm Bureau Magazine about wind turbines. He thought his wind machine might be converted to a wind generator like the article mentioned. So he contacted Bob Hayes with Prevailing Wind Power in Redondo Beach. Bob researched weather conditions, concluded his wind turbine would work, and checked-out county permits and costs. He was shocked to learn that costs and fees amounted to more than $10,000 and was therefore not feasible.

Hammond contacted Supervisor Kathy Long and explained the problem. In short order Supervisor Long simplified the problem and saw to it that fees and permit costs were reduced to $235.00. No conditional use permit was required. Now it was feasible.

Hayes secured the necessary permits, paid the fees, and a week ago arrived at the site. With his crew, Hayes quickly trenched from the house to the machine for power lines, and from 7:30 a.m. until about 5:00 p.m. completed the installation of the extended tower, prop, and generator.

Prevailing Wind Power has installed many such conversions in Riverside and San Diego Counties, but this was a first for them in Ventura County. The power panel and breakers were installed a short time later. An antenna is installed on top of the generator which is remotely monitored by Hayes from Redondo Beach. This provides data on performance.

Hayes estimates that this single unit will produce 300 to 500 kilowatts per month, which would cover 40 to 60 percent of household needs. This would pay-off the actual cost of about $2,000 (after rebates and tax credits) in about a year and a half.

This installation was quick and efficient. No standby charges are involved, and the 300 kilowatts per month is believed to be a very low estimate.

Bob Hammond had a plan and took it to fruition. Several other farmers have already stopped by to see the project and are expected to follow his example.

Congratulations to Bob Hammond for another Fillmore first.