A Portland business was recognized today as the first manufacturer in Maine to use a privately owned wind turbine to generate electricity.

Paradigm Window Solutions, on Riverside Industrial Parkway, unveiled a wind turbine this afternoon that's expected to generate as much as 800 kilowatt hours each month.

The turbine, which is visible from the Maine Turnpike, will save the window manufacturer about $850 a year in electricity costs. It also will reduce the demand for electricity from traditional power plants, which release greenhouse gases.

"We are excited to be using renewable energy in manufacturing our energy-efficient windows," said Gary Koocher, company controller. "I hope other businesses and visitors to Portland see how accessible clean energy can be and follow our lead by pursuing clean energy as an alternative to electricity generated by the burning of fossil fuels."

All Season Home Improvement in Augusta installed the wind turbine, which is the first one in Portland, city officials said.

All Season has installed wind turbines for municipal and residential use throughout Maine, including the Bush compound in Kennebunkport.

Paradigm is a 50-year-old, family-owned business that produces only Energy Star-rated windows and patio doors and recycles all of its manufacturing waste. The company recently expanded its reach outside New England to include the Northeast, Midwest and Florida.