Small-scale wind power sounds
like a breeze to many homeowners.
Just prop up a turbine and start
generating clean, renewable energy
with every gust and gale, right?
Actually, it is not that easy.
Homeowners should consider
many factors before investing in
a residential wind power system.
Building professionals who
understand the technology can help their customers make sound decisions
by encouraging them to ask the right questions:
Why do they want a wind power system? Homeowners should carefully
weigh their motives for making this type of investment and are encouraged
to invest in energy eciency rst. Check out the residential conservation
pyramid under “One Home” on the conservation program section of
Minnesota Power’s Web site (www.mnpower.com/powerofone).
Is there an adequate wind resource? Homeowners can contact their local
airport or refer to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s wind
resource maps (www.nrel.gov/wind).
Have they researched systems? ere are many dierent makes and models
of turbines, towers and components, which must be matched with each
other and to the user’s wind resources, energy needs and utility standards.
Disregard peak output ratings. Get performance and energy production
estimates for the average wind speeds expected at the site.
continued
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Building your business
on energy efficiency
Building Up
Spring 2010
GENERATING WIND ENERGY AT HOME CAN WORK…
If You Know the Facts
HOT OFF THE PRESS
The new Minnesota Small Wind Turbine Rebate for Residences provides
financial support for small wind turbine systems erected after July 1,
2009 with rated capacities not more than 35 kW at 24.6 mph. The rebate
is 35% of eligible system and installation costs up to $10,000. Learn
more at www.energy.mn.gov.
People are interested in small-scale
wind turbines. It was a featured topic
at the 20th Annual Energy Design
Conference & Expo, and customers
call Minnesota Power regularly with
questions about generating wind
energy at home.
Wind power has great potential in
both large- and small-scale applications. Minnesota Power
has made signicant investments in commercial wind
projects, such as Taconite Ridge Wind Energy Center
on the Iron Range and the Bison I wind project in North
Dakota, to generate cost-competitive electricity while
striving to meet state mandates for renewable energy.
Minnesota Power is committed to advancing renewable
energy, including small-scale, grid-connected wind
projects. rough its conservation program, renewable
energy rebates are available for solar electric and solar
thermal projects to homeowners. Minnesota Power also
sponsors professional development training for installers
of wind and solar energy systems.
is issue of Building Up looks at small-scale wind projects
(up to 40 kilowatts) and issues homeowners should
consider. While utility-scale wind turbines (1-3 megawatts)
make increasing economic sense, residential models may
not meet consumers’ cost-eectiveness criteria. You can
help your customers assess the pros and cons.
On a personal note, this will be my last issue of Building
Up, as I have accepted a position with another local
energy organization. It is an exciting opportunity, and
I will continue to work closely with Minnesota Power
and its local customers to promote the wise use of energy
resources.
I am deeply grateful for my time at this outstanding
company and thank you for sharing your passion for
energy eciency and expertise in home construction with
me over the years. I wish you continued success building
your business on energy eciency.
Sincerely,
Dean Talbott
“Wind varies tremendously from place to place, and, unless you know
the average annual wind speed for your location, it is difficult to predict
whether the investment will pan out. Once you have that number, the
manufacturer can tell you what energy production to expect.”
Alex DePillis, Clean Energy Partners, Presenter-2010 Energy Design Conference
©2010 Windustry
Wind Energy continued
Where will the turbine be mounted? Attaching wind turbines
directly to buildings can damage structures, cause noise and
reduce energy production. Mount on towers high enough to
avoid wind obstructions.
Will the system comply with local zoning/permitting codes?
Issues might include setbacks, safety standards, aesthetics, tower
height, noise and interference with communications. Check
with the local jurisdiction.
Is the local utility involved? Early and ongoing communication
with the electric utility ensures a smooth interconnection and
the highest available rebates.
Is the installer experienced and reputable? Pick a licensed and
bonded installer with a good track record and check references.
Lists of renewable energy system installers are available from
the Minnesota Oce of Energy Security (www.energy.
mn.gov), Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy (www.focusonenergy.
com), and Windustry (www.windustry.org).
Are there tax rebates and incentives? Check with your electric
utility or the Database of State Incentives for Renewables &
Eciency (www.dsireusa.org).
Do they have insurance and a maintenance plan? Some states,
like Minnesota, require liability insurance on wind energy
systems. Wind turbines also require ongoing maintenance,
which should be factored into the cost of operation.
Properly planned and executed, small-scale wind power can be
a sound choice for homeowners. Build your business by helping
customers choose renewable energy systems that make sense and
meet their energy-saving goals.
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Contact Information
Check out past issues of Building Up online at www.mnpower.com/tripleestar under New Construction (Triple E) link.
30 West Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802-2093
Toll-Free 800-228-4966
218-722-2641
EDUCATE YOUR CUSTOMERS ABOUT MINNESOTA
POWER’S CONSERVATION INCENTIVES.
SolarSense Minnesota Power customers can receive a two-fold rebate
on a grid-connected solar electric system. is includes a Minnesota Power
rebate of $2,000/kilowatt rebate up to $4,000 and State of Minnesota
rebates from $1,000 to $10,000, subject to availability of funds. Learn
more at www.mnpower.com/renewablecenter.
$100 BONUS—Heating & Cooling System Upgrades
If the current heating and cooling system is more than 10 years old
or the customer is building or remodeling a home, now is the time to
invest in a qualifying energy-ecient heating and cooling system. In
addition to standard rebates, there is a $100 bonus from Minnesota
Power and participating municipal utilities (through July 1, 2010).
Learn more at www.mnpower.com/hvacspecials.
Furnace with ECM Motor $200 standard rebate + $100 bonus
Air Source Heat Pump $300 standard rebate on furnace
integrated system and $500 standard rebate on mini-split ductless
system + $100 bonus
Ground Source Heat Pump $200/ton standard rebate on closed
loop and $100/ton standard rebate on closed loop + $100 bonus
Visit
www.mnpower.com/actionplan for more tools to
help your customers make energy-saving investments.
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Featured Incentives
...it begins with you.
www.mnpower.com/powerofone
20th ANNUAL ENERGY DESIGN
CONFERENCE & EXPO
More than 1,000 registered
attendees, presenters and vendors
participated in the 20th Annual
Energy Design Conference & Expo.
“I don’t think consumers realize
the impact this has had on our region’s housing industry and how
home construction has improved because of it,” said longtime
attendee Steve Walker, of Walker Construction, Inc. “Homes
being built today are so much more energy efficient than they
were 20 years ago.” Thanks to all who make this annual event
so exceptional!
