Paddle Wheel Power

John Bays says his invention could save him tens of thousands of dollars.

"This here is going to pay for itself in two years," says Bays. "And if my numbers are right, it's going to give me enough electricity to last me the rest of my life."

Bays has built a "tidal Venturi hydro-electric paddle wheel. He tested the paddle wheel out on the Intracoastal Waterway Wednesday and sure enough....it worked.

"Tidal is the most consistent power source there is in the world. The wind might not blow, the sun might not shine, but that tide comes in twice a day."

Bays floated the paddle wheel down to this waterfront residence, where he says he'll eventually connect the paddle wheel operation to his house and generate energy.

It took Bays several months to build the paddle wheel. He built the invention with recycled materials. An "eco-invention" Bays says that was fun and could save him thousands.