Fourteen months after he started, Bill Hallanger finally has his very own personal windmill — though he admits his venture may be as symbolic as Don Quixote’s jousting.

The Longview real estate agent doesn’t expect to get rich by being able to harness wind energy for his home. In fact, he’ll be happy if he makes back his $13,000 investment. But he does hope to inspire others to examine and invest in “green” energy.

“Does it financially make sense? Well, I’ve always said this isn’t part of my retirement,” Hallanger explained Monday. “But do we need some people doing things like this to help ups relieve our dependence on foreign oil? Absolutely.”

Hallanger and three friends installed the windmill at his 8 acres on Nevada Drive on Saturday using a “super forklift” to raise the 45-foot tall pole into place. The blades are another 6 feet. It’s anchored into a 6-foot deep steel and concrete base that Hallanger said is the same used to hold up street lights throughout town.

He still needs a few inspections and permits before he fires it up, but Hallanger expects the windmill could generate about 10 percent of his household energy. In case of a power outage, though, it’s designed to shut off so it won’t be charging lines as PUD crews work to repair them, Hallanger said.

Hallanger will receive a $4,000 renewable energy tax credit for the device, but still said it’s not designed as a money maker. He figures it might provide about $1,000 worth of energy a year.

“Number one, it’s an educational opportunity for myself and the community,” Hallanger said. “This is one thing we as individuals can do and so I kinda shrugged my shoulders and figured ‘I’m not broke this month, let’s do it.’ “

While he’s happy to finally see the turbine-powered windmill in place, Hallanger still harbors resentment about how long it took to get permission.

After buying the windmill for $8,000 from an Arizona company, Hallanger learned Cowlitz County didn’t have zoning or permit regulations for renewable energy generators. He could have pursued a special use permit but those are costly and take time.

Instead, Hallanger had to wait for the county to devise new rules and said the year delay was “ridiculous.” County officials said they had to investigate the noise and disruption to neighbors before approving the new category.

Hallanger received his permit in March. The windmill must be no louder than a heat pump, but Hallanger said he’s sure he’ll meet the standards.

Once it’s running — in about a month — Hallanger also said he’ll be happy to give tours and demonstrations of the windmill. Those interested can call him at his office at 425-3700. He also hopes to give school tours.

“It’s exciting, and if someone thinks they want to look at what green power is they’re welcome,” he said Monday. “It’s a smart little machine.”

Related articles:

Longview man finally gets wind permit  (March 30)

Panel mulls wind turbine rules  (Nov. 24, 2008)

Longview man's wind turbine project on hold as county irons out zoning issues  (Aug. 27, 2008)