Starting a Green energy company in the least Green State of California
A few years ago I was excited that there were finally some good small turbine products on the market that would enable people save money while helping the country reduce its dependence on foreign energy. I decided to take a risk and start a company that specialized in sales and installations of residential and small commercial wind turbines. I had no idea that our biggest challenge, by far, would come from local government.
While the California Energy Commission and the Federal government offer great financial incentives, the local governments here in California tax our projects so heavily in the form of permitting fees that it hinders us from creating a small wind market. I have heard many speeches by local politicians talking about how much they are doing to encourage Green activities, and I have spoken to many them about our challenges with local government, including out Lieutenant Governor, yet nobody has stepped up to take a leadership role.
In spite of this, we have forged ahead and been the first to get permits in several different counties and cities. For example, in San Diego County, it took us 12 visits to finally get a permit. In Ventura County, they initially wanted to charge us $10,000 for a permit, but after a year of pressuring them and wearing them down, we recently received a permit for $240. In Los Angeles County, it took us a year, but we finally got planning approval for a residential turbine.
While we have seen only limited success because of all the governmental hurdles, we are the fastest growing company in California in our unique industry, and we hope that we will finally be able to break the hold on government restrictions.
To be successful in the wind turbine industry, one needs the following skills: an understanding of aerodynamics, an understanding of electronics, a construction background, and strong financial analytical skills. From a young age I worked construction, and then in college, I became a sailmaker. From there I moved to a finance position in a semiconductor firm. It was this odd combination of experience that has made me a perfect fit for the wind energy business.
I like running my own company, and we have plenty of demand. If I could just get the government to remove their restrictions, our future would be far more certain.
The key to our success has been to follow simple smart business practices, which small businesses tend to over look. For example, the number one comment from our customers is that they are surprised that we answer the phone and/or returned messages. Even if you know it will not result in a sale, returning calls is a good habit to maintain.
Plus we do not take no for an answer. We have learned to walk through concrete wall, figuratively.
Hopefully that red tape will loosen up for you now-keep on it!