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Are Kohl's Wind Turbines Worth it?
Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:21 PM by Janine Reyes
Updated: Dec 11, 2012 11:33 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI -- Many shoppers may go to Kohl's to save cash, but the store is also trying to save energy.
The Kohl's location in Corpus Christi is one of only two stores nationwide that use wind turbines to generate energy.
But just how much do they save? You may be surprised with the answer.
Most shoppers making their way out of Kohl's have no idea that while they're shopping, 10-foot-tall turbines are spinning in the southeastern section of the building, using Corpus Christi's windy weather to provide energy inside the store.
"Well we're one of the windiest cities, so it makes sense," remarked shopper Bob Long. "I know one person who has one and occasionally they make money. They produce more energy than they consume sometimes, so they'll make $30 to $60 a month. Actually, the energy companies will send them a check," he said.
That sounds like a bargain, but is the store faring so well?
"They save about 2% with it," we revealed to shopper Robin Brand. "Oh really? That doesn't seem like a lot," she said.
"Ah, 2%," questioned shopper Alan Clark, "I would have figured a little more than that, but okay," he said.
Kohl's shoppers are used to saving big. You see, they can save 15-30% today, so 2% on energy savings seems a little low to them.
"That's pretty much 50 years before it pays for itself, and that's a long time, and it's a machine so it's going to break down," Clark commented.
Shoppers are impressed that the store is trying to save, too. But not all are convinced that this wind-generated energy is the way to go.
"I don't think its a bad technology," Clark said, "whether it's a good one or not, I think the jury's still out on that one."
We did ask Kohl's representatives what the turbines cost and when the anticipated return on investment would be reached, but we have not heard back from them.
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