Daily Messenger 7/19/09
Workers from Ramsey Constructors Inc. of Lakeville used a combination solar-and wind-powered generator to power tools for building forms and pouring concrete during construction on County Road 37 in Richmond. The generator was built by Canadice Construction, owned by Dick Gammell, as an alternative to gas generators. Ramsey’s use of the generator is a trial project as Canadice Construction prepares to market the invention. “It’s working great. No problems at all,” said Bill Adams, vice president for Ramsey. “I love the idea and will pursue it further.” Gammell says the generator cost between $10,000 and $16,000, depending on how much power it needs to produce. He estimates, though, that keeping a generator plied with gas for a year cost $4,000 to $5,000. But Ramsey’s Bill Adam’s says that’s not all. Carpenters who work all day with gas generators can hear the constant buzzing in their sleep at night, he said. The solar-and-wind machine is pleasantly quiet.