The residents are the first to take advantage of a newly approved town zoning ordinance. The Small Wind Energy Systems Ordinance, which was approved during the March 10 election, is intended to complement recent New Hampshire legislation, which established a process of review for small wind energy projects.

Though the couple has been actively working on the project since May, Gayle said she has been interested in the possibility of utilizing alternative energy for years.

"We're looking to the future," Gayle said, adding she isn't expecting "instant gratification."

"Ten years down the road we want to be able to afford electric in this house," she continued.

Though the turbine will not "store" power, Gayle said it will "make power when 'asked' for it."

Gayle said she was first made aware of WindGuys USA, a Rye-based renewable energy company, when she heard about preliminary plans to install turbines at the Sagamore Golf Course in North Hampton.

In preparation for the installation of the turbine, the Szydlos were required to write letters to all abutters to ensure they did not have any qualms about the project. Since all neighbors approved of the idea and did not raise any questions within 30 days, the Szydlos were able to bypass the Planning Board, per the new zoning ordinance, and obtain a building permit through the town building inspector.

Gayle described the process as "a lot of hurry up and wait," but said she is excited construction is now underway.

On Tuesday, a four-foot deep fiber cement base was poured and a bolt kit, which will serve as the bottom of the turbine tower, were installed on the Szydlos' property by Jeff Goodman and Rich Brady of the WindGuys USA.

Gayle said the cement will take 30 days to cure before the turbine is installed. While the Szydlos wait for the cement, a conduit and wire will be installed to serve as a connection between the turbine and electric meter at the house.

The Szydlos hope to get their 45-foot Skystream turbine up and running by Aug. 31 at the very latest.

According to Goodman, the turbine will "lock in" the Szydlos' electric rate and should be functional for 20 years. Though the wind turbine "will not power the house 100 percent," Goodman said "it will make nice power and is a small step toward the bigger picture."

Goodman said the Szydlos' property, located on Exeter Road adjacent to the Silver Oak Equestrian Center, formerly known as Liberty Farm, has a "nice breeze" and should be a successful location for the turbine.

Once installed, maintenance and noise will be minimal. According to Goodman, the noise produced by the turbine will be 54 decibels from 100 feet away.

"It's like the noise level of people talking," Goodman said. "It's not much."

In addition to the turbine's energy benefits, other perks include a federal tax break within two years of installation and a rebate from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. If the Szydlos manage to get their turbine up and running by Aug. 31, they will be eligible for the first round of state refunds.

Such incentives have the potential to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of the turbine, Goodman said.

The price for a residential turbine could run from $13,000 to $35,000. The model in which the Szydlos installed cost under $15,000.

For now, the Szydlos are optimistic and eager to welcome the new addition to their backyard landscape in a month's time. According to Gayle, Town Building Inspector Kevin Kelley had the best description of the Szydlos' project.

"He told us we're the guineas pigs," Gayle said. "And he asked us to take a lot of pictures."