Welcome to the September 2009 issue of the Small Wind Newsletter. See details on subscribing at the end of the newsletter.

Larry Sherwood

Editor

NEWS

DELAWARE: Legislature prohibits unreasonable restrictions on small wind installations

In July, the Delaware legislature enacted a law prohibiting unreasonable public and private restrictions on the installation of wind energy systems on single-family residential properties. The prohibition includes restrictions put in place by county and local governments; homeowner’s associations; and organizations formed for the management of commonly owned properties. The provisions apply only to wind energy systems that qualify for support under the state Green Energy Fund or similar programs administered by the State Energy Office.

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=DE14R&currentpageid=3&EE=1&RE=1

NEW YORK: Toolkit to help communities with wind energy planning and regulation

The New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) created a wind energy toolkit to provide information on various aspects of wind energy development and to help communities that are interested in wind energy development prepare for the issues that they might encounter. This toolkit includes several documents related to wind energy siting and the different methods that communities may use to integrate provisions for wind development into their existing laws. Separate documents address comprehensive planning for wind, options for wind energy ordinances, and examples of existing local wind energy ordinances.

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=NY15R&currentpageid=3&EE=1&RE=1

NORTH CAROLINA: Madison County Wind for Schools

“It was a breeze,” said Grayson Newell, Project Manager for the installation of the Skystream 3.7 wind turbine at Madison High School. While tilting the 34 foot monopole tower up and watching the turbine catch the wind on May 26 certainly went smoothly, it was the result of months of planning and coordination between many partners who are committed to bringing clean and renewable energy to the region. Two other schools, Hot Springs Elementary and Madison Middle, will be receiving similar systems this summer.

The vision for the Madison County Wind for Schools project came from Russell Blevins, Coordinator for Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation & Development, who procured a grant for the educational initiative from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Russell’s son, Brandon, who works as the Wind Coordinator for The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, provided much of the technical expertise for the proposal. While the main purpose for the project is to serve as a functioning educational demonstration, the process established the protocol for small wind systems in Madison County. From obtaining the required permits to interconnecting with utilities, the cooperation was strong. Both French Broad Electric Membership Corporation and Progress Energy have been supportive of the project and will be receiving the electricity that is generated by the systems.

Another significant partner in the project is the Madison County School System, which is excited about the educational opportunities that this initiative offers to its students. The Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative at Appalachian State University has been contracted with for curriculum support, and according to Mike Uchal, wind power education will be included into the curriculum at the elementary, middle, and high school grade levels, and will focus on the basics of wind energy as well as the science and application of the technology, along with an introduction to the growing industry of wind power and its benefits to the region. Quint David, the Outreach and Training Coordinator for WNCREI, adds, “Our purpose here is to help promote renewable energy technology and education as a viable solution to our climate and economic crisis…. We need to learn about Energy. The Madison County wind for schools project does just that.” But in saying “these small wind turbines will inspire students, teachers, parents, folks at Ingles, people at the football game, and the local electric coop to pursue more locally-produced clean energy,” Brent Summerville, a long-time wind educator from ASU, brings to mind the fact that these turbines will have a deep and positive impact on the entire community as well as the region.

The turbine chosen for this project, the Skystream 3.7, is a residential scale system, with a rated capacity of 1.8 kW. It has a rotor diameter of 12 feet, with a swept area of 115.7 square feet. It is recommended that the site where these turbines are installed receives at least an average wind speed of 10 miles per hour, which will not always be found at the schools, but there certainly will be times when the blades will be spinning. The prime areas for wind energy in this region are the ridge tops above 3,000 feet, and there is a lot of research currently going on about how wind energy will be developed in this region, much of it being led by the Small Wind Initiative at ASU. Perhaps some of this work will be taken up by students at Madison High who will see opportunities when the wind blows on their hill.

For more information on wind energy in this region, including county wind maps, go to www.wind.appstate.edu and also to www.cleanenergy.org

Source: SunDance Power

NEW YORK: Upcoming Small Wind Installation Workshops

Those interested in becoming certified small wind installers in New York state may want to look into taking one of several upcoming workshops led by Master Trainer Roy Butler (of Four Winds Renewable Energy). Mr. Butler serves as the lead technical expert on certification for SUNYGREENSNY and works with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners towards the long-term goal of increasing the number of master trainers available in the state. He will be leading these workshops on installation of small wind turbines at several different locations around the state this fall. The first day of each workshop is typically an overview for those wanting basic information on wind turbines. The full five-day courses are geared towards those wanting to fulfill the classroom requirement for the NYSERDA Eligible Installer process.

September 14-18

Small Wind Turbine Installation Workshop at SUNY Ulster in Kingston, NY. For course and registration info please contact SUNY Ulster 845-339-2025 or Ulster BOCES 845-331-5050

September 28 – October 2

Small Wind Turbine Installation Workshop, hosted by Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, NY. For course and registration info please contact Sullivan County Community College 845-434-5750 ext. 4398

October 12-16

Small Wind Turbine Installation Workshop, hosted by SUNY College of Technology in Alfred, NY Hands on work will include the installation of a Proven 2.5 wind turbine. For course and registration info please visit: Alfred State College wind course info 607-587-4015 or via email ccet@alfredstate.edu.

Instructors: Roy Butler and Glenn Brubaker

October 19-23

Small Wind Turbine Installation Workshop, hosted by Rockland County Community College in Suffern, NY. For course and registration info please contact Rockland County Community College at 845-574-4151.

Source: Four Winds Energy

MASSACHUSETTS: Turbine Installed on Martha’s Vineyard

Great Rock Windpower installed and commissioned the first Endurance model S-343 on Martha’s Vineyard this August. This turbine is designed to capture more energy and produce more power at lower wind speeds than previous models. A beta version has shown promising results so far — an average 57% increase in energy output during 3 very low wind summer months.

Source: Great Rock Windpower

NEW YORK: Ample funding but customer acceptance still an issue

Since 2004, New York state (NYS) has had a small wind incentive program, and a good one at that.

According to DSIRE, funding is available for systems between 800W-250kW, up to $150,000 per site. “We still have just over $1 million left in this year’s budget,” said Mark Mayhew, Project Manager for NYSERDA’s Small Wind Incentive Program. “We’ve funded 13 installations so far this year, and another ten are in the process.”

With small wind now able to take advantage of the federal investment tax credit, has New York, like other states, seen fit to curb or cut back its small wind incentive? “It didn’t make any sense to reduce the incentive level,” said Mayhew, “in part because we’ve not spent our budgets down. In fact, our PSC is currently reviewing NYS’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, and is considering increasing funding for small wind energy systems. We hope to be seeing more money for small wind energy systems.”

Though funding is ample, small wind installations can still be a hard sell.

“Truth is,” said Mayhew, “wind energy systems–large or small–still generate a lot of controversy. People either really love them or hate them. Even though small wind energy systems are usually a single turbine, people associate them with large, utility-scale wind farms”

Roy Butler with Four Winds Renewable Energy, in Arkport, NY, and a NYSERDA-eligible wind installer, agrees. “There are a lot of misconceptions in people’s minds about wind power,” said Butler, “and one of them is that there’s no difference between small and large wind when it comes to bird kills, stray voltage, noise, decreased property values, increased property taxes. Those of us in the small wind field have to defend what we do against the fallout caused by large wind. Add to this a lack of reliable, efficient, cost-effective turbines and you’ve got a problem.”

Still, rural applications are the largest user group for small wind turbines in NYS, according to Mayhew, for a variety of reasons.

“NYSERDA’s program is really geared toward 10 kW, grid-connected systems. That’s the size that the incentive makes the most economical sense for the homeowner, and that’s where the vast majority of applications fall. Additionally, the program requires a minimum lot size of one acre and typically the tower location must be 100 feet away from any property line. By the way, the program doesn’t support building-mounted systems. Add them up, and those requirements pretty much take away the opportunities for urban applications of small wind energy systems.”

What if a consumer needs more than 10kW? Can the NYSERDA incentive work for this? “Yes,” said Mayhew, “but the incentive amount is reduced to 40% for the second machine.”

So what options are available for the consumer who wants a system larger than 10kW? “The market will have to dictate what the manufacturers develop for turbines in the 15kW and up range. Several are under development now, but it will take quite a while to go from concept to tried and true equipment,” says Butler. Enter the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC), an independent certification body that will certify small wind turbines. “SWCC will certainly help weed out the inferior small wind turbines by giving the consumers a handy way to compare machines,” said Butler.

Though net metering and interconnection issues don’t plague small wind energy systems the way they do for photovoltaics, the cap on net metering in NYS is an issue. “For small commercial installations without a demand meter,” said Mayhew, “the system size caps are all over the place; one utility is at 12 kW, another is 5kW. Both are lower than the residential cap of 25kW. Sites with a demand meter are capped at their historic demand, which is also limiting, especially if a consumer is looking to generate most of their electricity with a turbine.” According to Butler, about 85% of owners of small wind energy systems connect to the grid with the intent of lowering their electric bills. “The remainder install them for off-grid homes and cabin systems.”

NYSERDA’s current incentives program for eligible wind installers is designed to increase the network of small wind energy installers in New York State, which currently number about 20. With this program, incentives are provided for eligible installers who install approved, grid-connected wind generation systems. Requirements include experience, customer references, training and education, and $1 million in general liability insurance and auto insurance. Incentives are passed on to the customer.

“There’s a definite lack of skilled workers to perform site assessments and install systems,” said Butler. “But consumers are taking advantage of the state and federal tax incentives. They’re seeing rising electricity costs, and re-prioritizing. None of us can keep up with the demand now.”

Despite the generous funding and support, small wind energy systems’ biggest challenges are still local acceptance. “The home or business owner must get local approval,” said Mayhew. “We had one town that no matter what anyone did, the installation just wasn’t going to be approved. Other communities love them. Mostly, it’s trying to educate people about the technology, and correct misinformation.”

“In fact,” says Mayhew, “one of our installers says the easiest part of installing a wind turbine, is installing the small wind turbine. The hardest part is getting permission to do so.”

OREGON: Oregon Adopts Temporary Wind Turbine Certification

Oregon adopted a temporary rule creating a small wind turbine certification process. In Oregon, electrical equipment must be certified prior to installation. The temporary rule, enacted in July 2009, creates an expedited and streamlined process for small wind turbine certification to reduce cost and delays created by individual certification of turbines.

http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OR26R&re=1&ee=1

CANADA: Ontario Seeks Small Wind Vendors

Ontario recently set aside an initial $120 million to implement renewable energy projects in schools and social housing. This funding is expected to be just the start of a concerted plan to jumpstart adoption of renewable energy technologies throughout all public sector infrastructure in the province, and to spur burgeoning private sector interest as well. Planned infrastructure stimulus funding will be available for small scale renewable projects including small wind.

Through this investment, Ontario hopes:

1. To help create green investment, manufacturing and job creation opportunities in Ontario; and

2. To lower future energy operating costs in the public sector facilities by financially assisting in the installation of renewable energy technologies for heating, cooling or generating electricity.

There are sales and manufacturing opportunities for renewable energy technology manufacturers and suppliers. Ontario is particularly interested in hearing from companies interested in establishing new or expanding existing manufacturing and service facilities in the province. As a first step, they are seeking interested companies to respond to a Request for Information.

More information on the request for information is available at the government procurement website: www.merx.com. In order to respond to the Request for Information, and to receive any additional information companies need to sign up to Merx. The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 11th, 2009.

Source: CanWEA

SWCC Receives Federal Grant

The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) (http://www.smallwindcertification.org) announced the receipt of a federal grant to help fund the launching of the small wind turbine certification program. SWCC is an independent certification body that certifies that small wind turbines meet or exceed the performance, durability, and safety requirements of the Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard. This certification will provide a common North American standard for reporting turbine energy and sound performance, and help small wind technology gain mainstream acceptance. SWCC expects to begin accepting certification applications in January 2010.

CANADA: CanWEA Hires Small Wind Advocate

Emilie Moorhouse joined the Canadian Wind Energy Association team on in July 2009 as Small Wind Advocate. In this position, she will be working with the Canadian Provinces and Territories to promote policies and incentives for small wind (under 300 kW). She has a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University and a Master’s in Land Use Planning from the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, France. Ms. Moorhouse spent the last four years working to make climate change and renewable energy a priority for Canadians. As Atmosphere and Energy Campaigner with the Sierra Club of Canada she worked to promote conservation, energy efficiency and renewables as alternatives to coal and nuclear power in Ontario.

Source: CanWEA

OREGON: Rural Wind Workshops

Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development will host a workshop for rural landowners, public officials and community members interested in learning more about wind energy development. The workshops will be offered on September 23rd in La Grande and September 24th in the Dalles, Oregon. Workshop attendees will come away with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure wind developments, large and small, result in the greatest local benefit. Read on.

The workshops will include an introduction to modern wind technology, the various scales of wind development and state incentives and policies effecting wind energy projects. Afternoon break-out sessions with subject matter experts focused on small/community wind projects and landowner participation in large-scale wind projects will also be offered.

All workshops are open to the public with a registration fee of $35.00. A light lunch will be provided. Registration will close on September 9th, 2009. Exhibitor options are available. Please follow this link for more information.

Source: Northwest SEED

ILLINOIS: Four Week Wind Basics Class in Chicago area

The Alliance for Lifelong Learning and Oakton Community College, Skokie, Illinois are sponsoring an introductory wind power class this fall. This challenging course will give a basic understanding of wind power generation. Topics include how a wind turbine works; knowledge of wind resources; how to estimate the production at a given site; making economic calculations; understanding the issues on siting and installing a wind power system.

Register online at www.oakton.edu/all or in person at either Oakton campus, Des Plaines or Skokie. The class is $75.00 plus a $7 processing fee. All registrations must be in advance; there will be no day-of-class registration.

The course Wind Power Basics CRN 60897 will be held at the Oakton Community College’s Harstein Campus located at 7701 N. Lincoln in Skokie, Illinois starting Thursday October 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Source: Matt Overeem

OKLAHOMA: Wind Turbine Powers Eco Car Wash

A wind turbine is now powering the first Eco Express Car Wash in Oklahoma, an eco-friendly car wash that promises to have a smaller environmental impact than traditional car washes. The Windspire was installed on July 13th and will provide clean energy to the new car wash.

In addition to creating their own clean energy, Eco Express Car Wash uses environmentally friendly chemicals and reclaimed water to wash cars. Solar panels will also be installed at the Oklahoma City car wash, the first of many Eco Express Car Wash locations planned throughout Oklahoma.

Eco Express Wash co-owners, Garland Bell and Brad Peak, also expect the 30-foot tall vertical design of the wind turbine to attract people to his new business venture. “We think the unique design of the Windspire spinning out front is going to make people notice our new car wash,”; said Bell. “It’s going to generate electricity and business for us.”

Source: Mariah Power

Upcoming Wind Events

For a full listing of upcoming wind energy events, click here.

INTERCONNECTION AND NET METERING

Check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Connecting to the Grid web site for the latest interconnection and net metering news.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Adopts Net Metering Modifications

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission adopted final rules for net metering, which were certified and effective on July 18. The new rule raises the system cap to 100 kW, opens net metering up to all renewable and increases the participation cap to 1.0% of a utility’s annual peak energy demand. The rules also remove the previous requirement for a Utility External Disconnect Switch but allow customers to voluntarily install one if they so choose. Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: DPU issues net metering order (including rules for neighborhood systems)

On June 26, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an order, which contains provisions for both net metering and neighborhood net metering. Neighborhood net metered customers must serve a minimum of 10 residential customers, but may serve additional residential and commercial customers beyond that. However, all customers served must be within the same municipality, ISO-NE load zone, and service territory of one distribution company. Read on

MISSOURI: PSC issues order on liability insurance requirements

On June 19, the Missouri Public Service Commission issued a final order regarding the liability insurance requirement debate that has been ongoing since the original net metering order was issued in October 2008. This order provides that customer-generators installing systems of 10 kW or less will not be required to purchase additional liability insurance, and customer-generators with systems of greater than 10 kW will be required to obtain $100,000 of additional liability insurance. Read on.

INCENTIVES

New Incentives reported by the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE), a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access state-by-state incentives and policies that promote wind energy technologies, click here and select “wind (all)” or “wind (residential)” from the drop-down menu.

PENNSYLVANIA: Alternative Energy Production Tax Credit

Pennsylvania now offers a tax credit of 15% on investments in alternative energy production projects located within the state of Pennsylvania with an expected useful life of 4 years or longer. The term “alternative energy production project” is broadly defined and includes wind. Read on.

MAINE: Community Based Renewable Energy Production Incentive

In June 2009, Maine established the Community-based Renewable Energy Pilot Program. Qualifying projects receive either a long-term electricity payment or a renewable energy credit multiplier. Read on.

RESOURCES

Planning tool available for evaluating and comparing possible wind turbine locations

Virginia Renewables Siting Scoring System (VRS3) by Dr. Maria Papadakis and Dr. Jonathan Miles, James Madison University

The VRS3 scoring system is a land use planning tool that enables communities to systematically evaluate and compare different locations as to their degree of suitability for wind turbines. It guides users through a variety of factors, including technical feasibility, land use considerations, natural resource and wildlife impacts, and community development criteria. The VRS3 workbook and resources may be downloaded at http://vrs3.cisat.jmu.edu. The GIS files are also available for no charge on CD or DVD upon request to the authors. Read on.

SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS

These articles from around the U.S. give examples of how small wind is covered today– good or bad.

OREGON: Innovative wind turbines to top new downtown Portland high-rise

Oregon Live.com, August 13, 2009

Photo courtesy of ZPG

Portland’s distinctive skyline has a dramatic addition.

By the end of today, the graceful blades of four 45-foot-tall wine turbines are expected to begin spinning above the glossy new Twelve West Building, one of a handful of urban high-rises nationally that capture wind for electricity. The project, built downtown at Southwest 12th Avenue and Washington Street by sustainability leader Gerding Edlen Development Co., already has piqued international interest.

No one claims the turbines will shrink Portland’s carbon footprint. They will produce about 9,000 kilowatt hours yearly – 1 percent of the building’s electricity needs. Read on.

CONNECTICUT: Clean energy taking root in Connecticut

Associated Press, August 22, 2009

From the grounds of a working dairy farm in Torrington, where an innovative wind turbine is going up this fall, to a new mixed-use manufacturing and retail building in Ashford, which will be powered by photovoltaic solar panels, the skyscape of Connecticut is rapidly being altered by the rush toward renewable energy.. Read on.

MARYLAND: Baltimore roof turbine denied

Baltimore Sun, August 3, 2009

Looking to lower her carbon footprint, and offset the rising cost of her BGE bill, Marsha Vitow is endeavoring to become the first Baltimore City resident to install a wind turbine on her roof.

It may seem like a logical next step in a city whose mayor has pushed a “cleaner, greener” agenda. But as eco-friendly as Baltimore is striving to become with extra tree plantings and recycling pickups, Vitow has run into some old-fashioned problems: decades old zoning laws don’t account for a wind turbine and some of her Federal Hill neighbors don’t want to look at it. Read on.

TEXAS: Area users of small wind turbines say they’re happy with return on their investment

Star-Telegram.com, July 10, 2009

Whether they’re running a ranch or powering a lakeside vacation home, more North Texans are looking at wind turbines to offset their electric bills. Even with retail electric prices lower now because of sliding natural gas prices, many homeowners on the outskirts of the Metroplex find that wind power is cost-effective, thanks partly to a federal tax credit offsetting 30 percent of the cost and installation of a small wind-energy system. Read on.

NEW YORK: Wind turbine highlights green goals at fairgrounds

Poughkeepsie Journal, August 24, 2009

The Green Initiative, which began a year ago, was easy to miss at last year’s Dutchess County Fair. It was located inside a small tent that could be lost amid the swirl of activity at the fair’s 4-H pavilion.

This year, officials said the Green Initiative will be bigger and better when the fair opens Tuesday. If anyone wants evidence of this, all they need to do is look upward at the 35-foot-tall wind turbine installed on the fairgrounds Saturday. The turbine is part of a yearlong study into the feasibility of wind energy at the fairgrounds. Read on.

OREGON: Incentive programs give a boost to the small wind industry

Statesman Journal, August 10, 2009

An Independence company is hoping to make wind turbines a more common feature of the Willamette Valley landscape. WindEnergy expects to have a handful of small-scale installations on residential properties by October.

“We expect once one goes up in a neighborhood, others will consider it,” said Jason Bruggeman, project manager for WindEnergy. “We expect a ripple effect, but we don’t know how far it will go.”

It has got to go farther than what it has — fewer than 100 small-scale wind turbines are in the entire state, estimated Carel DeWinkel, a senior policy analyst with the Oregon Department of Energy. Read on.

MAINE: Shoals Marine Lab keeps getting greener

seacoastonline.com, August 24, 2009

A 7.5 kilowatt wind turbine was installed on Appledore Island, Maine, home of The Shoals Marine Laboratory — a first-class summer marine sciences program run by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. Specially designed for the often ferocious offshore winter storms, the 80-foot turbine “protects itself,” said Hanson, by turning tail into the winds when they’re too strong.

Interestingly, because the island is known worldwide for its bird population — not only native gulls, but migratory birds who find respite there on their astounding trips from Canada to South America — one of the blades is painted black. This wards birds off from crashing into the turbine and in two years, said Hansen, they’ve never lost a bird to the blades. The $95,000 turbine powers UNH’s scientific instruments, and was paid for through a federal grant.. Read on.

MAINE: PUC gets funds for Aroostook wind projects

Bangor Daily News, August 14, 2009

Windmills, both for personal and business use, are becoming familiar sights in Aroostook County. A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program could lead to still more of the structures, as the funds will be used in part to support the development of new small wind-power related businesses in the region. Read on.

ABOUT THE SMALL WIND ENERGY NEWSLETTER

The Small Wind Newsletter is published electronically by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The Small Wind Web Site contains news, resources, and links.

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If you have comments or news items, please send them to Larry Sherwood at Larry@irecusa.org.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

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Welcome to the July 2009 issue of the Small Wind Newsletter. See details on subscribing at the end of the newsletter.

Larry Sherwood

Editor

NEWS

AWEA Reports 78% Growth in 2008 for U.S. Small Wind Market

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that the U.S. market for small wind turbines — those with capacities of 100 kilowatts (kW) and less — grew 78% in 2008, with a total of 17.3 megawatts (MW) of new installed capacity, offering new evidence that consumer demand for clean energy options is on the rise. Read on.

Grants and Loans available through USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture invited agriculture producers and rural small businesses to submit applications to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. $51.6 million is expected to be available, with up to 1,100 awards anticipated. In addition, the USDA requests proposals for Renewable Energy Feasibility Grants. This program will provide support to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. Six million dollars is expected to be available, and up to 150 awards are anticipated. Responses are due by the end of July for this proposal, as well. Read on.

2009 Small Wind State Reports

Learn what states around the country are doing with small wind! Download a file with 2009 state reports on small wind programs and activities by clicking here.

Interview with Ron Stimmel

IREC’s Jane Pulaski interviews AWEA Small Wind Advocate Ron Stimmel. Read on.

SOUTH DAKOTA requests Input on Small Wind

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is requesting input on its Small Renewable Energy Initiative, a five-part approach to encourage common sense development of distributed generation. The initiative includes components related to taxes, pricing for distributed generators, interconnection and siting. The taxing and pricing components involve proposed legislation; the interconnection element reviews new rules; and the siting portion includes a model ordinance developed for local governments. The PUC will collect public comments on each of the components online at www.PUC.SD.gov/smallwind through Aug. 31, 2009.

NORTH CAROLINA: Tyrell and Hyde Counties Adopt Wind Ordinances

Tyrrell County, located in northeastern North Carolina, adopted a wind ordinance in 2009 to regulate the use of wind energy facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county. Hyde County had adopted a similar ordinance late in 2008. The ordinances are substantially similar to the model wind ordinance drafted by the North Carolina Wind Working Group, and establishes parameters for the permitting process, height restrictions, minimum setbacks, noise and shadow flicker, installation and design, and decommissioning of retired systems. Read on.

IREC Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting

The 2009 IREC Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting was held May 6, 2009 at the WINDPOWER 2009 Conference in Chicago. To download the Agenda and presentations, click here.

5th Annual Small Wind Conference a Huge Success!

Once again, the Small Wind Conference lived up to its reputation as the premier small wind event in the United States, with over 320 people attending from all across the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, the UK, India, Hungary, Japan, Australia, Spain, and China. Read on.

Public Renewables Partnership holds Webcast on Small Wind and Distributed Generation

A coalition of renewable energy organizations hosted a teleconference May 20, 2009 on small wind projects and distributed generation. This event was part of a series of teleconferences offered through the Public Renewables Partnership. The presentations, as well as an audio recording of the webcast, can be found on the UWIG web site at http://www.uwig.org/PRPwebinars.html.

Boston Museum of Science Test Turbines

Boston’s Museum of Science in partnership with the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust is installing the nation’s first museum-based rooftop Wind Turbine Lab this summer. As the centerpiece of its new “Catching the Wind” exhibit, the museum began installation of nine wind turbines of five different types in April. The turbines will range in size from seven feet tall to 40 feet tall. The museum will investigate their strengths and weaknesses by monitoring local wind conditions and wind power generation data. Read on.

Upcoming Wind Events

For a full listing of upcoming wind energy events, click here.

INTERCONNECTION AND NET METERING

Check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Connecting to the Grid web site for the latest interconnection and net metering news.

KANSAS Enacts State-Wide Net Metering Legislation

On May 22, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson signed HB 2369, establishing a renewable portfolio standard and a state-wide net metering law. With the passage of this bill, residential systems up to 25 kW and non-residential systems up to 200 kW may be eligible for net metering, though systems should be appropriately sized so as not to exceed expected load. Read on.

MAINE Enacts Legislation to Authorize Shared System Net Metering

On April 30th, Governor John Baldacci of Maine signed a significant reform bill (LD 336) on net billing to allow for shared ownership, an increase in eligible system size to 660 kW, and to expand the eligible technology to include micro-CHP with any technology and any fuel. Among other things, the legislation raises the upper size limits for all eligible technologies to 660 kW covering 600 kW wind turbines currently being planned and installed in Maine. The amendment also allows wind turbines and other facilities up to 660 kW to have shared ownership similar to those in Europe. It also allows these to net meter across the interconnecting utility service territory. The approved rules remove the facility vicinity requirement and allow for the net billing of accounts across a utility’s service territory. Read on.

SOUTH DAKOTA PUC Adopts Interconnection Rules for Systems up to 10 MW

The South Dakota PUC issued an order approving their proposed South Dakota Small Generation Interconnection Rules. The rules specify interconnection procedures for systems up to 10 MW, based on the different tiers. Read on.

INCENTIVES

New Incentives reported by the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE), a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access state-by-state incentives and policies that promote wind energy technologies, click here and select “wind (all)” or “wind (residential)” from the drop-down menu.

VERMONT Enacts Feed-In Tariff

In May 2009, Vermont enacted the Vermont Energy Act, which requires all Vermont retail electricity providers to purchase electricity generated by eligible renewable energy facilities through the Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) Program via long-term contracts with fixed standard offer rates. This policy, commonly known as a “feed-in tariff,” is intended to provide a reasonable return on investment to renewable energy facility developers. Read on.

MARYLAND Adds Residential Wind to Sales and Use Tax Exemption

In April 2008, the Maryland enacted legislation exempting geothermal and solar energy equipment from the state sales and use tax. Two pieces of legislation expanding the sales tax exemption were enacted May 2009. H.B. 1171 added residential wind energy equipment as eligible for this incentive. Read on.

RESOURCES

Power from the Wind by Dan Chiras, Mick Sagrillo, and Ian Woofenden, New Society Publishers, 2009

Power From the Wind is an easy-to-understand guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems and includes information on the following:

* Ways to assess wind resources at your site

* Wind turbines, towers, inverters, and batteries

* Installation, maintenance, and costs

This book is designed to help readers make the smartest, most economical choices. Readers will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions during the design, purchase, and installation of small wind energy systems and to communicate effectively with wind system installers.

Dan Chiras, a certified wind site assessor, has installed several residential wind systems, and has published over twenty-four books, including The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy. Mick Sagrillo is the wind technology specialist for Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy. Ian Woofenden is a wind electricity editor, writer, workshop coordinator, instructor, and user in Washington’s San Juan Islands. For more information click here.

New Roots launches financial modeling tool for small wind

New Roots is pleased to announce the recent launch of WindCast, a simple to use financial modeling tool that takes the guess work out of project and site specific financial projections. WindCast was created specifically for the small wind industry to provide industry professionals with professional, accurate, and credible financial evaluations in minutes. WindCast is accessed via a secure web portal and uses simple, site-specific inputs to produce lifetime revenue projections in an easy to read, graphical format.

For more information contact New Roots at http://www.windcast.newrootsenergy.com/.

Wind Energy Basics Revised: A Guide to Home- and Community-scale Wind Energy Systems by Paul Gipe, Chelsea Green Publishing, 2009

Wind Energy Basics debunks what the author calls “the fads, fallacies, and the flim-flam” around “new, never-before seen” wind turbines often featured in the media. “As the world turns increasingly toward renewable energy,” says outspoken author Paul Gipe, “people are looking for wind turbines that work cost-effectively. Unfortunately, hustlers, charlatans, and the simply inept are quick to seize on the public’s fascination with wind energy and sell them wind turbines that perform poorly at high cost.” “Wind energy works and makes environment sense–more so today than ever before — but consumers have to be on their guard. It’s buyer beware, especially with small, household-size wind turbines,” says Gipe. For more information click here.

SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS

These articles from around the U.S. give examples of how small wind is covered today — good or bad.

Wind Turbine installed on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover

In its network television debut, the Windspire wind turbine was installed at the latest “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project in Indianapolis, on the show’s season finale 2-hour episode that aired on May 17th on ABC.

MARYLAND: Wind-energy, solar panel ordinance passed

Herald-Mail, June 17, 2009

The Washington County Commissioners voted 4-1 to pass an ordinance that allows small wind-energy systems and solar panels in all county zoning districts with limits on size, placement and other factors. Read on.

CONNECTICUT: Personal Power Arrives in Kent

CountyTimes.com, June 11. 2009

Electrician Mark Lenz became a trailblazer in Connecticut last week when he put up what he believes to be the first residential vertical axis wind turbine in the state on his home on Iron Mountain. Mr. Lenz said the turbine will produce between one kilowatt and 1.6 kilowatts per hour in the winter and will reduce his electricity bill-which averages $250 a month-by about $100 over that same period. He plans to supplement the system with roof-mounted solar panels to generate electricity during the summer months when the wind is quieter. Read on.

MAINE: Kittery to remove wind turbine

seacoastonline.com, June 03, 2009

A wind turbine at the Kittery transfer station will be removed and the town will be reimbursed for its cost, after testing indicated the turbine produced only 15 percent of the electricity expected. After the town has been fully reimbursed, Entegrity Wind Systems will come to Kittery and remove the turbine. “I am very disappointed, but the lessons learned are very valuable,” he said. “We’re not going to proceed to install this sized turbine again without a clear understanding of the wind sustainability and location.” Read on.

MARYLAND: City planners satisfied with 15kW home wind energy limit despite complaint

Cumberland Times-News, June 10, 2009

The Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission of Cumberland voted 4-0 June 4th to forward the proposed regulations on residential wind energy systems to the Mayor and City Council, who are expected to conduct a public hearing on the matter on Aug. 4. David Umling, city planner, said only one person submitted comments of substance on the issue. Towson-based real estate attorney Stuart D. Kaplow, who serves as legal counsel and is a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Green Building Council Maryland Chapter, said limiting residential wind turbines to 15 kilowatts hour (kW) is too restrictive. Read on.

COLORADO: First wind turbine set in Holyoke

The Holyoke Enterprise, June 4, 2009

A recent spike of interest in the concept of wind energy led Roy Pfaltzgraff to become a wind turbine dealer and Paul Mailander to have a turbine installed at his residence near Holyoke, Colorado. Pfaltzgraff began to look into becoming a dealer a few years ago when he was looking to have a turbine installed and found only distant, impersonal service and high prices. Hoping to make wind energy more accessible for those around Haxtun, he became the first dealer in the area. Mailander developed his interest in renewable energy by working on a project that investigated wind energy as possible revenue for the school district. Read on.

ILLINOIS: Ford County expands wind energy option

News-Gazette.com, June 9, 2009

Ford County residents will now have the option of building a personal wind energy system on private property. All property owners who are not under the zoning jurisdictions of the county’s three incorporated towns — Gibson City, Paxton and Piper City — are eligible. Zoning Officer Larry Knilands said that his goal in drafting the county’s zoning amendment for private wind energy was to make it so that everyone in the county at least had the opportunity to consider building a wind system on their property. To that end, a private windmill permit fee will be reduced to $100, rather than $5,000 now collected for each commercial wind turbine. Read on.

MISSOURI: Washington U. Adds Turbines to Historic Building in Renovation Project

Chronicle of Higher Education, June 22, 2009

Washington University in St. Louis is putting seven turbines on top of a renovated building in a historic district and making them an architectural feature by illuminating them at night. The units, which won approval from the St. Louis Preservation Board, will generate “a bit of the building’s electrical power and also provide a distinctive sight.” Read on.

ABOUT THE SMALL WIND ENERGY NEWSLETTER

The Small Wind Newsletter is published electronically by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The Small Wind Web Site contains news, resources, and links.

Click here to subscribe. There is no fee for subscriptions.

If you have comments or news items, please send them to Larry Sherwood at Larry@irecusa.org.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information, click here.

If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Welcome to the May 2009 issue of the Small Wind Newsletter. If you have trouble with the links in this e-mail message, click here to view the web version of the newsletter. See details on subscribing at the end of the newsletter.

Larry Sherwood
Editor

NEWS

TEXAS: Turbine Installed at LCRA’s McKinney Roughs Park

The Lower Colorado River Authority worked closely with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), the Alternative Energy Institute at West Texas A&M University, and Meridian Energy Systems to install a residential-sized wind system at McKinney Roughs Nature Park near Bastrop, Texas. The education staff at McKinney Roughs is working to integrate SECO’s renewable energy curriculum with its own newly developed education programs.

Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: Multiple Installations in Massachusetts!

The Bay State is a busy state for small wind installers. Wind turbines were installed recently in Charlton, as well as on Martha’s Vineyard and a farm on Nantucket. A six-day workshop for installers is planned for May.

Read on.

A Conversation with Mick Sagrillo

Jane Pulaski interviews a dedicated small wind advocate.

Read on.

CALIFORNIA: Small Wind Permitting Reports

The California Wind Energy Collaborative conducted two studies meant to identify some of the permitting issues and to shed light on the wide-range of permitting fees. The first study involved surveying small wind turbine installers in California, to document the common challenges faced by many of the installers as they attempt to acquire permits from local jurisdictions. The second study reviewed the permitting fees for small wind turbines in California counties.

Read on.

NREL Releases Preliminary Test Data on Four Small Wind Turbines

The National Renewable Energy Lab posted preliminary test results for four small wind turbines in April. Through a competitive solicitation, NREL selected four commercially available small wind turbine systems to test in 2008/2009.

Read on.

Small Wind and the National Electrical Code

For the past year, a committee from the small wind industry has been working on a new article for the U.S. National Electrical Code (the NEC). The proposed new article for small wind electric systems is modeled after one for photovoltaics, and applies to systems up to 100 kW rated power output.

Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: Small Renewables Initiative Guidelines Updated

Based on feedback from the January stakeholder meeting, The Small Renewables Initiative has issued updated guidelines for the micro wind projects they fund. The $35,000 per project cap has been removed, and an additional $1,000 is now built into the initial rebate for all projects, regardless of system size.

Read on.

Upcoming Wind Events

For a full listing of upcoming wind energy events,

click here.

INTERCONNECTION AND NET METERING

Check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Connecting to the Grid web site for the latest interconnection and net metering news.

NORTH CAROLINA: Utilities Commission Expands Net Metering Rules

The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) issued an order amending the state’s net metering rules. The NCUC ordered that renewable generators up to one MW may net meter with no aggregate limits on customer participation. The Commission also removed the previous requirement that net metering customers take service under Time of Use (TOU)-Demand rates, thereby allowing for full retail rate choice.

Read on.

UTAH: PSC Improves Rocky Mountain Power’s Net Metering Tariff

The Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order, that significantly improves Rocky Mountain Power’s (RMP) net metering tariff. Notably, in this order the PSC increased the net metering program cap from 0.1% to 20% of RMP’s peak demand for 2007. The decision allows for a kWh credit for excess generation from residential and small commercial customers’ net metered systems. Previously, if a customer generated net excess kWhs during a billing period, the utility credited the customer’s NEG at a rate equal to the utility’s avoided cost or higher, which would rollover each month for up to a year.

Read on.

NEW YORK: PSC Approves Net Metering Tariffs, Adopts Changes to SIR

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order revising and approving changes to net metering tariffs for the six investor-owned utilities in New York. The PSC also issued an order , adopting changes to the state’s Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR). The incorporated changes, as required by energy bills passed in 2008, provide for an expedited application process, an update to UL 1741 (November 2005 revision), and elimination of the external disconnect switch for systems 25 kW and under.

Read on.

INCENTIVES

New Incentives reported by the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) , a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access state-by-state incentives and policies that promote wind energy technologies, click here and select “wind (all)” or “wind (residential)” from the drop-down menu.

NEVADA – RenewableGenerations Rebate Program

In January 2008, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) issued ruling R175-07, which established rebate levels for the RenewableGenerations program through 2013, and added incentives for small wind and hydroelectric systems. NV Energy is still accepting applications for the 2009-2010 application period for wind and small hydro systems. Funds are limited and applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. To be eligible, wind systems need to be operational as of September 4, 2008 or later.

Read on.

TVA – Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program

TVA purchases the entire output of a qualifying system at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) above the retail rate for solar and $0.03/kWh above the retail rate for all other eligible renewables. The power is purchased through a participating power distributor and the customer receives a credit on their utility bill for the power generated. If a system produces more electricity than it consumes, then the customer will receive a check for the excess generation.

Read on.

RESOURCES

New Report: Potential for Mid-Scale Distributed Wind

An Analysis of the Technical and Economic Potential for Mid-Scale Distributed Wind by R. Kwartin, A. Wolfrum, K. Granfield, A. Kagel

This report examines the development potential of mid-scale distributed wind projects. Its purpose is to analyze why this segment of the wind market has not enjoyed the same growth as central-station wind, and to assess the market potential for this technology under current market and policy conditions.

Read on.

SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS

These articles from around the U.S. (and even the U.K.!) give examples of how small wind is covered today‚ good or bad.

NEVADA: Las Vegas Residents Push for Wind Turbines on Small Acreage

Las Vegas Sun, April 2, 2009

If renewable energy is the wave of the future, then the city of Las Vegas needs to get on board by changing some of its codes, says Terry Buis, a small business owner. He would like to install a 42-foot wind turbine at his business. The problem: His city lot is 1 1/2 acres. According to city code, wind turbines are only allowed on residential farms two acres or larger.

Read on.

WISCONSIN: Ellsworth Area Couple Harnesses Wind for Power

Pierce County Herald, April 23, 2009

A couple in the Town of Salem, Wisconsin installed a 120-foot turbine at their home, high atop a hill, above treeline. After having a wind assessment done, the turbine was installed by Freier’s Electric and Heating in nearby Ellsworth. Conservation measures were done and solar panels were installed, as part of their energy remodel.

Read on.

ILLINOIS: Homeowners and Small Businesses Install Turbines

Chicago Tribune, April 24, 2009

A couple in Harvard, Illinois is installing a small wind turbine on their property — a 34-foot-tall turbine that they say will make them a bit more energy self-reliant and they hope will save them money. Residential wind turbines are becoming a larger part of the renewable energy picture in Illinois. The small turbines also are being purchased by some small businesses and schools.

Read on.

UK: Small Wind Manufacturers “must co-operate to survive”

New Energy Focus.com, April 24, 2009

Small wind manufacturers must co-operate and work together to develop a full system of standards and certification, if the industry is to survive. That was the view of a number of companies currently battling to compete against the solar photovoltaic industry to provide “human-scale” renewable electricity for households and businesses. Speaking at a key gathering of the industry in the UK on April 23rd, manufacturers were warned that both customers and investors are being “burned” by devices that do not generate the power claimed by their makers.

Read on.

VERMONT: Planning Board Makes Way for Wind Turbine

Bennington Banner, April 23, 2009

The Hoosick Planning Board ruled that a local homeowner does not have to seek approval for a proposed 100-foot wind turbine he intends to build on his property. In April, the board determined that the wind tower is permitted under the town’s Land Use Law, which passed in early March.

Read on.

TEXAS: Man Arrested in Wind Turbine Con

Abilene Reporter News, April 22, 2009

Taylor County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Texas man in connection with unfinished work on residential wind turbines. According to Sgt. John Cummins with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, seven people have reported giving this man large down payments for work not completed. In the contract, the man said he was selling a certain brand of wind turbine, but he was not an authorized dealer.

Read on.

CALIFORNIA: Turbine May Be Terminated

Contra Costa Times, April 21, 2009

Rancho Palos Verdes resident Bill Ramirez is into green energy and conservation so installing a wind turbine to generate energy on his property seemed like a good idea. He is now in trouble with the city. He is not alone as others in RPV have run afoul of city codes in an attempt to install green energy devices.

Read on.

MINNESOTA: City Council Plans for Growth of Wind Energy

South Washington County Bulletin, April 20, 2009

City council members in Cottage Grove, Minnesota recently approved amendments to the town’s two decades-old zoning ordinances that cover wind turbines, establishing more stringent permitting and adding a public hearing requirement for businesses and homeowners interested in harnessing wind power for electricity. The ordinance amendments are “more precautionary, if you will,” said community development director Howard Blin, “because we anticipate there will be greater demand” for wind turbines in the future.

Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: Museum of Science Wind Turbines Debut

Wicked Local Cambridge.com, April 24, 2009

Boston’s Museum of Science currently has two functional wind turbines connected to its electrical grid, and aims to construct a total of six, all smaller “residential turbines,” with the largest one holding a capacity of six kilowatts and featuring a 20 foot rotor diameter. Although the project’s initial goal was to “generate a lot of clean electrical power,” studies conducted over the past year yielded some discouraging data, indicating that the cost of constructing the turbines undercuts their economic viability.

Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: Farmers Seed Plans to Sell Wind Power with Produce

Vineyard Gazette, April 24, 2009

Imagine a future in which you join a farm share program and receive, along with your in-season fruit, vegetables and flowers, cheap electricity. It’s a creative idea thought out by smart, creative people. But the fact is, Martha’s Vineyard is knee-deep in wind power concepts and proposals right now, many of them running way out in front of current regulatory regimes, and in some cases, ahead of environmental realities.

Read on.

ABOUT THE SMALL WIND ENERGY NEWSLETTER

The Small Wind Newsletter is published electronically by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The Small Wind Web Site contains news, resources, and links.

Click here to subscribe. There is no fee for subscriptions.

If you have comments or news items, please send them to Larry Sherwood at Larry@irecusa.org

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information, click here.

If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Welcome to the March 2009 issue of the Small Wind Newsletter. See details on subscribing at the end of the newsletter.

Larry Sherwood

Editor

NEWS

Stimulus Bill Lifts Cost Caps on Small Wind Turbine Tax Credit

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the economic stimulus bill that includes a provision to uncap the federal small wind turbine Investment Tax Credit (ITC) originally passed last October. The removal of the cost caps on the small-wind ITC will provide consumers with a true 30% tax credit for the purchase and installation of small wind turbines with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts or less. Read on.

Interview with Trudy Forsyth

There are only a handful of people who know the small wind industry like Trudy Forsyth. In this article, Jane Pulaski talks with her about current issues in small wind, including rapid growth, changing policies and related challenges. Read on.

MASSACHUSETTS: Babson College Installs Campus Wind Turbine

Babson College installed a wind turbine on the school’s campus as a demonstration project. The college’s decision to complete the installation was based on a proposal created by a team of three graduate students and introduced through the Babson Energy and Environmental Club, a student led organization at the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. Read on.

NREL Issues Funding Opportunities Announcement

DOE recently announced a new funding opportunity, through their “20% Wind by 2030″ project. This solicitation has a due date of March 3rd. Read on.

2009 Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting

The Annual Small Wind State Stakeholders Meeting will be Wednesday, May 6 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm during WINDPOWER 2009 in Chicago. The State Stakeholders meeting provides an opportunity for states to exchange information on policies and programs to promote the use of small wind turbines. Read on.

Small Wind Certification Council Launches Website

The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) launched a web site that gives information on the organization and its planned certification programs. The site has information about SWCC, its mission, history, staff, funders and board. As SWCC policies, applications, and other information is developed, it will be posted to the web site. Read on.

AWEA Drafts Standard for Small Wind Turbines

A draft American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) certification standard for small wind turbines (up to ~ 65 kW) has been published and AWEA solicited comments from its members and other affected parties. Read on.

SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota Wind Energy Association Formed

South Dakota has some of the best wind in the country, and now it boasts a new organization to encourage the development of those wind resources. On January 13, 2009, after months of effort, the South Dakota Wind Energy Association (SDWEA) was established and its first board meeting was held in Pierre. Read on.

Distributed Wind Applications User Group to Hold Meeting in Austin

In an effort to better serve the needs of its core membership, the Distributed Wind Applications User Group of the Utility Wind Integration Group (UWIG) will meet on the afternoon of March 25 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, Texas, in conjunction with the American Public Power Association’s Engineering & Operations Conference. Read on.

NEW YORK: KidWind Project Announces Design Competition

The KidWind Project is excited to announce the opening of the 2009 KidWind Challenge. This design competition seeks middle and high school students interested in testing their engineering and scientific prowess as they build the most powerful and elegant student wind turbines ever constructed. Read on.

Upcoming Wind Events

For a full listing of upcoming wind energy events, click here.

INTERCONNECTION AND NET METERING

Check the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Connecting to the Grid web site for the latest interconnection and net metering news.

MAINE PUC Adopts Draft Rules for Shared-System Net Metering

On January 8, the Maine Public Utilities Commission provisionally adopted draft rules that would amend the current net energy billing rule to allow net billing for customers who share in the ownership of an eligible renewable facility with a capacity of 500 kW or less. The rules also include an expanded facility capacity limit up to 500 kW for individual net billing customers. The provisional rules remove the facility vicinity requirement and allow for the net billing of accounts across a utility’s service territory. Read on.

Missouri PSC Staff Ask for Removal of Insurance Requirements

Missouri Public Service Commission Staff (PSC) filed a Motion for Final Order of Rulemaking regarding liability insurance requirements that were imposed under PSC rules in October 2008. In amending the net metering rule, the Commission included certain liability insurance requirements that it “now believes are undesirable and contrary to the purposes of the statute that granted the rulemaking authority.” The October PSC rules specified that customers with systems 10 kW or less must carry at least $100,000 of liability insurance, which may be in the form of an existing policy or an endorsement on an existing policy. Customers with systems greater 10 kW must carry at least $1,000,000 of liability insurance. Read on.

INCENTIVES

New Incentives reported by the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE), a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access state-by-state incentives and policies that promote wind energy technologies, click here and select “wind (all)” or “wind (residential)” from the drop-down menu.

NEW YORK: Long Island Power Authority – Wind Energy Rebate Program

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) offers rebates to its residential and commercial electric customers — including non-profits, schools, and governments — for the installation of grid-connected wind energy systems. The program is new for 2009 and is budgeted at $1.2 million for the 2009 program year. Rebates amounts will be calculated as the lesser of 60% of the installed system costs or the amount based on expected annual energy production in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The maximum rebate is $200,000 per application. Read on.

OHIO: Residential Wind Energy Incentive Program

The Ohio Department of Development’s (ODOD) Ohio Energy Office (OEO) offers grants on a first-come, first-served basis for the installation of new residential wind energy systems in the service areas of the following utilities: American Electric Power, Dayton Power & Light, Duke Energy, and FirstEnergy. The incentive is calculated as the lesser of $2/AC kilowatt-hour (kWh) of estimated annual system output or 50% of eligible system costs, up to a maximum incentive of $25,000. Read on.

IOWA Utilities Offer Wind Incentives

Three Iowa public power utilities, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility, and Preston Municipal Electric Utility, now offer renewable energy incentives. Small wind installations qualify for the incentives. Click the links for each utilities’ program.

Farmers Electric Cooperative

Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility

Preston Municipal Electric Utility

SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS

These articles from around the U.S. give examples of how small wind is covered today — good or bad.

MASSACHUSETTS: Wind Turbine at Medford School Saves Money, Educates Students

Tufts Daily, February 19, 2009

A newly built 121-foot-tall wind turbine recently constructed by the City of Medford will provide energy for McGlynn Elementary and Middle School.

The turbine became operational on Feb. 5, 2009. It will provide 10 percent of the school’s yearly energy costs, which translates to an estimated annual savings of $25,000. Read on.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Black Hills Power Launches Wind for Schools Project

Rapid City Journal, February 9, 2009

Douglas School District is one of eight South Dakota school districts selected to receive a wind turbine in a federal project. Its goals are to raise awareness about the benefits of wind energy and train students in potential future jobs. Read on.

MARYLAND: Ocean City Passes Wind Turbine Law

Delmarva Now, February 19, 2009

In a move that breaks new ground for resort property and business owners trying to reduce dependence on the regional power grid, the Ocean City, Maryland, Town Council passed a law allowing residential and commercial use of electricity-generating wind turbines. Property owners can install roof- or pole-mounted wind turbines, as long as they meet noise and height restrictions, among other regulations. Read on.

Bringing Wind Turbines to Ordinary Rooftops

New York Times, February 15, 2009

Wind turbines typically spin from tall towers on hills and plains. But in these green times, some companies hope smaller turbines will soon rise above a more domestic spot: homes and garages. The rooftop turbines send the electricity they generate straight on to the home’s circuit box. Then owners in a suitably wind-swept location can watch the needle on their electricity meter turn backward instead of forward, reducing their utility bills while using a renewable resource. Read on.

NEW YORK: A Cleaner Way to Keep the City Running

New York Times, January 4, 2009

A handful of buildings in New York City are already drawing electricity from wind turbines, which typically resemble table fans, or mounted airplane propellers. Unlike some of the skyscraping versions that dot rural hillsides, small turbines supply power directly to homes without first sending it through a utility company’s lines. One major sticking point in the city is that densely packed buildings tend to scatter breezes, making it tough to capture steady gusts. Read on.

PENNSYLVANIA: Wilkes-Barre Zoning Board Approves Wind Turbine for City Home

Times Leader, February 18, 2009

The city zoning hearing board Wednesday approved the first vertical axis wind turbine to be installed in a residential area. Read on.

MINNESOTA: Stearns County Board Approves Wind Turbine

St. Cloud Times, February 18, 2009

The Stearns County board has approved a Lynden Township landowner’s request to erect a wind turbine on his property near the Clearwater River. The county board voted 3-1 February 17, 2009, after a public hearing during which neighbors complained that the tower would be a blight and obstruct their view. Pearson’s original proposal was rejected by the township, so he moved it to a shore land area where the county has regulatory authority. Read on.

ILLINOIS: Wind Turbine Will Be Used In Rockford’s Midtown

My Stateline.com, February 18, 2009

A huge white wind turbine sits atop the “Justgoods” store, waiting for one more part before it can start to be pushed by the wind and generate electricity. The overall cost of the project is about $60,000. But those supporting it, such as Lee Schreiner, say it’s a great investment. Read on.

ABOUT THE SMALL WIND ENERGY NEWSLETTER

The Small Wind Newsletter is published electronically by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The Small Wind Web Site contains news, resources, and links.

Click here to subscribe. There is no fee for subscriptions.

If you have comments or news items, please send them to Larry Sherwood at Larry@irecusa.org.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation.

FAIR USE NOTICE

This newsletter may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of energy, economic, scientific, and related issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in the newsletter is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information, click here. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this newsletter for purposes of your own that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.