Apparently unfazed by recent skepticism from local engineers and architects aimed at Mayor Bloomberg's plans to install wind turbines on Gotham's skyscrapers and bridges, California-based Marquiss Wind Power has offered to donate one of its turbine systems to the city in order to demonstrate that the Mayor's idea is in fact viable. The company's patented roof-top wind turbine is approximately 19 feet high and weighs less than a typical rooftop air conditioning unit. Its T500 model is optimized for low, variable wind, is rated at 5 kilowatts, and is priced between $30,000.00 and $60,000.00 depending on the specific configuration. According to Marquiss CEO Paul Misso, the company's turbines should pay for themselves within four to eight years, "depending on wind speed, utility rates, and available incentives." Last week, in the aftermath of Mr. Bloomberg's remarks in Las Vegas, local experts had questioned the efficiency of wind turbine installations, calling New York City a "solar city," and pointing out that Gotham is windiest on cold, winter nights when electricity demand is far lower than during the scorching days of summer when solar panels could collect significant amounts of energy. Nevertheless, Mr. Misso's offer seems like one the city shouldn't pass up, particularly if wind turbines can be included as part of a cost-effective alternative energy plan that begins to address the increase in demand from the one million people expected to move here by 2030.
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