Get the Facts Before Investing in Wind Technology

 By Bob Gibson

Consumer Resource Network

       People are attracted to the idea of generating their own electric power through the use of “backyard” renewable energy systems.

       Small wind turbines are one of the most popular choices, but careful study and assistance from your co-op can make sure you know the facts before buying one of these systems.

       The spinning fan of a windmill pumping water from a well was once a common sight across rural America. When electric co-ops began lighting up the countryside in the late 1930s, farmers and rural residents began replacing the mechanical energy of the windmill with electricity from power lines.

       The wind turbines seen today are distant cousins to those windmills. The difference is that today’s systems—generally a three-blade rotor connected to a generator and tail and mounted on a tower—converts wind energy into electricity, rather than simply turning gears to lift water.

       The most popular residential-scale turbines can generate around 2 kilowatts of power—about one-third to one-half of what a typical home needs—to 10 kilowatts. In recent years, small wind turbines have become more reliable and, to a degree, prices have come down as more are built. More dealers are offering a better choice of products and more experienced installers are available to erect the units.

       So is installing a wind turbine at your home a good idea? That depends on two basic factors: your motivation and your location.

       If your motivation is to make money (expecting the turbine will earn you a profit by selling power back to your co-op) proceed with care. Even though federal tax credits and utility incentives and rebates have helped lower the cost for some, in most parts of the country it remains difficult to generate electricity at a price equal to or lower than what you’ll obtain from your electric co-op.

       While wind that blows through your property may be free, the equipment needed to capture that wind is not, and wind doesn’t blow all the time.

       Electric utilities are required by law to buy your excess power. But in many areas they are only required to pay the same price they pay any other generator—what in utility jargon is called “avoided cost.” But even where your bill might be credited for wind power at retail rates, called net metering, the sale of those kilowatts won’t make you rich.

       Paying back the cost of installing and maintaining a wind turbine, which runs from several thousand dollars to $50,000, can take several years to several decades.

       You also need to consider your location. In densely settled areas, zoning laws may prohibit the construction of a turbine. But in any location, you must know just how much wind you have, day after day. In these calculations, average wind speed becomes critical.

       While the U.S. government has mapped out average wind speeds (www.nrel.gov/wind), each site is unique, affected by factors such as elevation and obstruction from buildings and trees. Better wind speeds are found higher off the ground, and there can be a huge difference between wind speeds at the 300-foot heights that large-scale wind turbines have and the 80- to 100-feet height of a small turbine.

       Before getting too far down the road at installing a small wind turbine, do your homework. That includes checking with your local electric co-op well in advance of making a purchase. Being aware of your co-op’s policies and procedures associated with interconnecting a wind system to the grid will avoid headaches, disappointments, and unexpected costs.

       The grid is a complex, interrelated machine and some costs may need to be incurred for studies or upgrades to preserve safety, reliability, or quality of power.

       Your co-op may be able to help you estimate what those costs might be in advance and help you find additional opportunities for energy efficiency that could further reduce your electric bills.

       To find out what incentives may be available in your state, go to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www.dsireusa.org.

      PCEMC is proud to be your partner in education. We are your electric utility that services parts of Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge parishes. PCEMC is more than just your electric utility. We are connecting people...impacting lives!

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