Small Scale Wind Power
Energize Nebraska
Why RE in Nebraska?
• 6th ranked in wind potential
(at 200 ft: 15mph or higher)
(at 50 ft: 12mph or higher)
• 10th ranked in solar potential
(285 days average: 175 sunny days and 110 partly sunny)
• Livestock and hog manure to run methane gas
powered generator.
• Use Biomass to produce heat, steam, hot water.
• Use biofuels to run cars and machinery.
How do small turbines work?
• A wind turbine/generator collects
(motion) energy and converts it to
electricity that is compatible with a
home’s electric system. (Source: AWEA)
• There are three types of wind systems:
1. On-grid (no batteries)
2. Off-grid (all power is stored in batteries)
3. On-grid with backup (fewer batteries)
Skystream 1.9 Kw from Southwest Windpower
Skystream 1.9 Kw from Southwest Windpower
Source: Southwest Windpower
Skystream 1.9 Kw from Southwest Windpower
Source: Southwest Windpower
Skystream 1.9 Kw from Southwest Windpower
Source: Southwest Windpower
Proven 6 Kw from Proven Energy
Source: Proven Energy
Proven 6 Kw from Proven Energy
Source: Proven Energy
Proven 6 Kw from Proven Energy
Source: Proven Energy
Bergey 10 Kw from Bergey Wind
WindGen 10 Kw from Triad Wind Co.
Aerostar 10 Kw from Aerostar Inc.
Source: Aerostar Inc.
Windspire 1.2 Kw from Mariah Power
Source: Mariah Power
WT6500 Kw??? From Honeywell Inc.
Source: Honeywell International Inc.
Wind Turbine Production Data
BERGEY 10Kw Grid-tie
120ft tower
Upland, NE (2009) NW Iowa (2008)
Actual 47.2 Kwh/day 45.5 Kwh/day
generation 17,228 annual 16,605 annual
Best reading October 21st April 15th
169 Kwh 161 Kwh
Nebraska net $ 1,464/year $ 1,411/year
metering rate
Comparing prices & production
• Bergey 1Kw (110Kwh/mo) $ 10,000
• Windspire 1.2 Kw (100 Kwh/mo) $ 10,000
• Skystream 1.9Kw (320Kwh/mo) $ 19,000
• ARE 2.2Kw (350 Kwh/mo) $ 22,000
• Proven 6 Kw (900 Kwh/mo) $ 52,000
• Bergey 10kw (1,250 Kwh/mo) $ 55,000
(12mph average used for calculations)
Small Wind & Solar Incentives
• 30% federal tax credit for residential,
commercial, industrial (No cap)
• USDA rural development grants with 25%
of total cost (wind/solar/methane/others)
• USDA rural development guarantee loans
with 50% of total cost.
• Wind & Solar loans at 2.5% (NEO)
• Net metering available up to 25kw.
Solar Air & Water Heating
Solar air heating project in Axtell
4 Air heating Solarsheet collectors, self-powered system. (April 2009)
What is Energize Nebraska?
• Energize Nebraska is a not-for-profit
educational institution dedicated to provide
assistance, education and training in
renewable energy including: wind, solar,
biomass, and biofuels.
• Board members for Energize Nebraska
are: Ed Toribio, Michael Randall and C.D
Smith.
Energize Nebraska Goals
• The training center will focus on training entrepreneurs,
trade people, utility employees and the public in general
to support development of the renewable energy industry
in the state and to create new sources of economic
development and jobs.
• Assist Nebraska residents with resources, technical
data, consumer reports, referrals, consultation and
installation services.
• Develop educational program k-12
• Stimulate the use of renewable energy.
• To take advantage of current tax credits and grants.
Training & Education
• Building Science
• Wind & Solar hands-on training
• How to successfully operate a wind/solar
business
• Small scale biodiesel
• Solar air heating
• Solar water heating
• Build your own wind turbine
• Battery-based solar/wind systems
• How to build an energy efficient home
What is Energize Nebraska doing?
• Grant request application with The
Environmental Trust to fund the “Clean Energy
Education Initiative”
• Partnerships with: Central Community College-
Hastings, Edgerton Explorit Center-Aurora,
Hamilton Community Foundation.
• Application # 10-201
• Grant resolution and first decision approval
notice in February 2010.
Get Involved
• Spread the word about Energize Nebraska.
• Support our efforts by becoming a paid
member.
• Volunteer to host activities or events in your
area.
• Submit your ideas & opinions.
• Questions? Get in contact with any of the
board members to share your views.
END