Solar Energy International Northwest / Anderson's Store Demonstration Project 2003 Story from the Evening Star
The solar / wind energy project at Anderson's General Store began selling electricity to the grid in November, according to Kelly Keilwitz of Whidbey Sun & Wind, system designer. The installation, formally named the Solar Energy International Northwest Demonstration Project 2003, represents the combined efforts and donations of numerous individuals and companies to create a visible, accessible link in the "distributed generation system–energy produced where it is used," says Keilwitz. Although the system is modest, rated at about 1,500 peak watts, its potential as a renewable energy (RE) exhibit and teaching tool is huge, according to Ian Woofenden, SEI northwest coordinator.	The simple shaft-drive generator is wind powered through an 8-foot diameter propeller. The furling tail can be created in any shape as long as it meets square footage requirements.
"Relative to the store’s electrical needs, the system is minimal. However a similar system would supply the basic electrical needs of a super-efficient small home," says Woofenden. Over the past seven years Woofenden has organized wind and solar workshops on Guemes once or twice a year. As a result Guemes Island is a leader in the production of RE. (The wind generator atop the 80-foot tower at the store was shop-made with ordinary tools in a SEI workshop here.) "The increase in interest during the last few years is significant," Woofenden told The Star. This fall’s project was attended by 50 students from all over North America and featured input from some of the best brains in the industry. Whereas early installations were geared more toward small weekender cabins, now whole house modern systems are the norm. When complete, the system at the store will include detailed schematic drawings with limited access to view the energy conversion components housed in the water storage tower. The electricity produced will offset a small percentage of the storeÕs usage and will earn 10 cents per kilowatt-hour for "green attributes." The power generated here will be pooled with other RE production sites and sold to consumers interested in supporting "clean" energy. At current prices, the green attributes program energy sold back to the grid is worth 2-1/2 times the retail cost, according to Keilwitz.	Kelly Keilwitz explains a schematic drawing to a student during the installation. Ryan and Zander Woofenden with their family electric cart that will soon be able to re-charge with renewable energy at the store.
	Co-sponsors and donors include Whidbey Sun & Wind Alternative Energy Engineering Xantrex Technologies Outback Power Systems Interstate Batteries -  Southwest Windpower Righthand Engineering  -    Solar Hacker RV Power Products  -    Exeltech Inverters Home Power magazine Dankoff Solar  -    Sunwize Chili Pepper Signs  -    Skagit River Steel Island Electric  -    Down Under Guemes Adam Mimnaugh Construction and Ian Woofenden & family. The 80-foot wind tower north of the store is designed for easy raising and lowering using a 40-foot gin pole as a lever arm controlled by a three-part block and tackle attached to a vehicle. The wind machine is rated at 500 peak watts. The solar panel is rated at 1120 peak watts. Energy produced is sent to a battery bank in the water storage tower then converted for utility use such as lighting and the electric vehicle charging station in front of the log cabin. The balance will be sold to Puget Energy.

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