Frequently Asked Questions
How do I invest in WindShare and the Lakewind project?PLEASE NOTE: Windshare is nto currently accepting new members. The Lakewind project is still in the development phase, and we are waiting to hear from the Ontario Power Authority about a Feed in Tariff Contract. Please check back for updates. There are 5 easy steps to follow in order to invest:
Follow this link to the investment page to find the application forms and payment information. Are there tax benefits?There are tax benefits resulting from income received in the form of dividends. These are known as a dividend tax credit. In certain cases, there are RRSP eligibility and other benefits available. Each investor must calculate their own tax circumstances or consult their tax professional for specific implications to their tax liability. Can I trade my shares on the stock exchange?WindShare is an independent co-operative with internal policies for buying and selling shares. Should an existing member wish to sell their shares, the co-operative will arrange to sell their shares to the next investor. If the share offering is fully subscribed, the co-operative will arrange to sell shares to the next member-in-waiting.How do I become a member?Becoming a member is the same as investing in WindShare Co-operative. Please follow the steps outlined in our Invest Now Section.
Can I purchase a membership for another person, for example, my children or grandchildren?Yes. Please refer to the appropriate membership application form, entitled “Gift Membership” What happens to my membership and investment after 20 years?Membership in WindShare does not expire. Regarding investment, the value of the turbines are amortized over a 20 year period (turbines decrease in value in the accounting books) and at that time, for the purposes of accounting and financial projections, the turbines will have no remaining monetary value. However, with routine maintenance there is a good possibility that the turbines will continue producing electricity beyond the estimated 20 year life span and continue to generate profits which will continue to be paid out as Dividends.Is WindShare for-profit, or non-profit?WindShare is a for-profit co-operative. It operates differently than a corporation: it follows different guidelines and allows each of its members an equal vote regardless of size of investment. Learn more about co-operatives.How can I be kept up to date on the Lakewind project?There will be frequent updates regarding our the Lakewind project. A newsletter will be sent to members and our mailing list, and news will be posted on our website. If you are not a WindShare member and would like to receive updates, please enter your e-mail address to receive our newsletter. Members can access current updates, press releases, environmental assessments, financial performance, and power production projections in our Members section.How can I install a small wind turbine on my house?WindShare’s co-operative model is based on the cooperation of members of a community to create new localized, utility-scale renewable energy. Most roof-top turbines generate 0.4 - 3 kW, whereas our new Lakewind project will generate 10,000 kW. Although small wind is outside our mandate, you can learn more from the Canadian Wind Energy Association. How does wind power benefit the environment?Wind turbines generate electricity without producing any emissions or hazardous waste. Wind power improves air quality because it reduces the demand on emission-producing energy sources such as coal. In fact, 10 megawatts of coal-fired power produces approximately 85,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year. (from US Department of Energy Report). Producing that much energy from renewable sources has the same positive impact as taking 17,722 cars off the road or planting over 400,000 trees. Replacing coal-generated power will reduce the emissions associated with smog and acid rain, as well as contribute to the effort to curb climate change.Is wind a viable technology?Yes! Wind power is viable in many respects. with continuously improving technology and efficiency, combined with the help of Standard Offer Contracts, wind power is proving to be economically viable. Wind power’s viability is proven internationally through by many other countries, such as Germany. Please follow our wind industry links to find out more.What is happening in the wind industry?An excellent resource for current news in the Canadian wind industry is the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). For current news in the global wind industry, check the World Wind Energy Association.How much do wind turbines cost?The ExPlace turbine cost $1.8 million after project development and construction costs. The price of electricity generated by turbines is falling as the technology is becoming more economic and efficient. To learn more about WindShare turbines, visit our Exhibition Place Turbine site or learn about our new Lakewind Project.Why isn’t the ExPlace turbine turning?There are two scenarios due to which the blades of the ExPlace turbine will not be spinning: wind conditions and mechanical constraints. 1. Extreme wind conditions; when the wind is too strong, brakes are used stop the turbine from spinning too quickly to prevent potential damage. When the wind speed is too slow, the blades do not turn. 2. Like all other complex machinery, wind turbines need occasional maintenance. When the internal computer system detects a potential problem, it instructs the mechanical system to feather the blades so that they will stop turning and alerts the turbine operators of the problem. How much electricity is generated?The Exhibition Place wind turbine generates enough electricity to provide power to over 200 homes. The Lakewind Power Project will provide power for an estimated 3,400 homes. What kind of turbine is located at Ex Place? Lakewind?The ExPlace turbine is a Lagerway LW52 (link to turbine specs in ExPlace turbine section). WindShare is planning to use Enercon E-82 wind turbines for the Lakewind power project. |
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