As energy prices continue to rise, many people are searching for alternatives to save money.

An Elk Mound family has found the answer by reaching to new heights.

It's 78-feet tall, its blades are 12-feet across and with a little breeze, it can save you some big bucks.

Greg Raleigh says, "I was looking into an alternative energy and after 6 months of research, determined that for this area, wind was the best alternative.

That wind turbine has been powering the Raleigh’s home since December with an average monthly electric bill of $70.

Greg Raleigh says, "It's generating probably 27% of our electrical use on average. On a day like today we'll get 30-40% of our electric from our turbine, somedays it's slightly over 100%, somedays it's only 1%."

Greg Raleigh says he built and erected the entire structure.

Greg Raleigh says, If you're comfortable remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, you'll get through it without too many problems."

And says it's completely tied into the home.

Greg Raleigh says, "There aren't any batteries, you don't store any electricity, you just trade it back and forth with the grid, with the electric company."

So when the Raleigh’s have more energy than they need, they'll sell it to the electric company to use for neighboring homes.

Greg Raleigh says, "They store it and give us a credit back on our bill every month."

Raleigh says it's not that bad of an eyesore and says it's not even that loud.

Greg Raleigh says, "We're sitting here having a normal conversation. The turbine is a little bit louder than the wind speed it's blowing at."

He says the wind turbine has made the family want to save more on energy anyway they can.

Greg Raleigh says, "It also caused us to be more aware of our conservation. Because when you have a $9200 toy out in your yard, you remember the light switch and the computer power strip and to shut the VCR off. All the little things that add up to big usage."

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Wisconsin ranks 18th in its wind energy potential.

Minnesota comes in a few spots higher at number nine in the nation.