Renewable energy sources such as wind power can supplement conventional sources like coal-fired plants. The growing demand for renewable energy has developed a common question by many utility members – “Can I use wind energy to power my home or business?” There is no simple answer, but below are areas to consider when researching this topic.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a small wind electric system can provide you with a practical source of electricity if you answer “yes” to most of these questions:
- Is there enough wind where you live and is it a good wind source?
- Are your home and/or business located on at least one acre of land in a rural area?
- Does your local zoning code or covenants allow wind turbines?
- Is your average monthly electric bill $150 or more?
- Is your property in a remote location that does not have easy access to utility lines?
- How much electricity do you need or want to produce?
- Will building a small wind system be economical for you?
- Are you comfortable with long term investments?
The U.S. Department of Energy states the following benefits that wind energy can offer:
- It’s economically competitive
- It’s a valuable crop of the future for farmers and ranchers
- Unlike most other electricity generation sources, wind turbines do not consume water
- It is an indigenous, homegrown energy source that contributes to national security
- It is inexhaustible and infinitely renewable
- It offers many environmental benefits
- Wind energy’s “fuel” is free, so it reduces the risk associated with volatile fossil fuel
- It can be used in a variety of applications
- More and more people are looking to renewable energy efforts
Resources
Wind Energy FAQs
“Small Wind Electric Systems” – A Minnesota’s Consumer Guide
Midwest ISO Generator Interconnection
7 Steps to Small Wind Generation (PDF)
If you are interested in moving forward with a small wind electric system, please follow these seven steps:
- General information
- Requirements
- Process
- Contracts
- Applications
- Larger than 40 kW wind systems
- Complete Wind Version
- MVEC Interconnection Requirements
- MVEC Interconnection Agreement
- MVEC Engineering Data Submittal
- MVEC DG Application Process
- MVEC Interconnection Application
Notice of Cogeneration
In compliance with Minnesota Adopted Rules relating to CO-generation and Small Power Production, Chapter 7835, MVEC is required to interconnect with and purchase electricity from co-generators and small power producers who satisfy the conditions of a Qualifying Facility.
MVEC has available and will provide free information to all interested members regarding rates and interconnection requirements. An application for interconnection is required for a Qualifying Facility to interconnect and operate in parallel with the cooperative’s distribution system and is subject to approval by the cooperative.
Special Notice:
A Qualifying Facility (wind or solar) does not qualify for Energy Wise programs. Members with existing Energy Wise systems will be disabled upon installing a Qualifying Facility.
Wind energy is a voluntary program available to MVEC member-owners (both residential and commercial). If you are interested in purchasing blocks of wind energy please contact MVEC.
Questions? For more information contact:
Jeff Langeberg, Wind Energy Consultant
952.492.8247 or 800.282.6832
info@mvec.net
