Apartment building wind turbines to provide half of light in common areas

This story from NYTimes tells of a Bronx apartment building that will use 10 one-kilowatt wind turbines on its roof to allay power for lighting in common areas like the lobby, hallway, elevator, etc.

According to the article, "The turbines, which collectively cost $100,000, could halve the annual utility bill for the common spaces, to $9,000 from $18,000."

That's a noble idea, but the arrangement of the turbines leaves something to be desired. They are all pointing in the same direction. If the wind is not blowing in that direction, their utility is reduced.

Anyone considering adding this kind of wind-powered feature to their business or residence should consider an omnidirectional turbine.

Pfister Energy offers one.

So does Helix Wind.

Omnidirectional turbines turn no matter which direction the wind is coming from, and they require less breeze than giant propeller based versions.

Additionally, wildlife typically recognize omnidirectional turbines as solid objects, and they're less likely to get tangled up in them.