Folks are already asking about Mr. Ireton's new toy. "People are hungry for the technology, even if they're not ready to spend on it yet." He's also had a few people lean on the store counter to say, "Hey, the windmill's not turning." "No," he's replied, "the wind's not blowing.' "

You won't see these windmills marching across suburbia. Suited to rural subdivisions and country properties, they are recommended for lots of at least half-an-acre with no tall structures nearby. The towers range up to 110 feet. He had no problem getting a municipal permit, and one of his neighbours even told him she thought it was a good idea.

If you are considering a windmill, but are uncertain about the reliability of the breezes where you live, then he will install a wind monitoring system for a year. It costs $1,000, with a $500 rebate if you purchase a windmill.

He sells other energy efficiency products including EnerWorks solar hot water systems. With their fast payback and relatively low cost, he says solar hot water systems should be your first line of defence against soaring energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions.

The systems run about $6,000, but a blend of federal and provincial rebates shrinks that to $5,000. You'll need to have an easily arranged energy audit to qualify for the rebate.

Like the windmills, you'll find specifics on the system at the store's website. Mr. Ireton has also posted his own experience with the EnerWorks system on the site. He installed one two years ago in his home and is now saving $57 a month in energy costs. Payback for the average household is about seven years.

Font:****Mr. Ireton sold a dozen of the systems last year. "People are asking, 'What can we do to reduce our costs?' There's a real interest in preserving the environment."