Today’s changing energy landscape is bringing continued attention to renewable energy resources. Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative supports generation that is safe, reliable, cost effective and environmentally responsible.
For Renewable Energy information, contact: Gary Weber, Member Advocate, at 319-462-3542
Where to Start
When you are considering the installation of renewable energy on your property, key issues are safety, reliability and integrity of the power grid. It is important to research all aspects of feasibility, purchasing, maintenance, zoning and utility requirements. A good starting point is the Iowa Energy Center at www.energy.iastate.edu.
Contact a wind or solar designer/installer to help you with the following ….
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SOLAR – photovoltaic array
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Small WIND - residential
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| Site Selection |
Full sun. Even small amount of shading on panel will reduce performance up to 80% |
Smooth clean wind will offer best performance. Place on highest hill away from trees, buildings or other objects that may create turbulence
in the wind. Property that is at least .5 acre and has unobstructed views should meet site criteria. |
| Placement |
Close to system equipment. Greater the distance from PV array to other system equipment, the greater wire diameter needed at higher cost per foot. |
Place wind generator in a location that is 250’ away from any surrounding object. If not possible, locate where prevailing wind direction that is upwind from tower is as clear as possible. |
| System Design |
Determine energy output requirement
Use the solar calculator at Iowa Energy Center’s website: http://www.energy.iastate.edu/
renewable/solar/calculator to determine expected generation
for your location.
Determine if you want to be connected to the electric utility
grid (grid-tie system) or off-grid. |
Match desired output to wind
turbine equipment specifications.
Evaluate wind maps and data
at Iowa Energy Center’s website:
http://www.energy.iastate.edu/
renewable/wind/
Determine if you want to be connected to the electric utility
grid (grid-tie system) or off-grid. |
| Interconnection to electric grid |
IF yes, complete an Interconnection agreement (link to agreement)
Determine system components – battery system for storage is required if not connected to grid and optional if system is
connected to utility grid. |
IF yes, complete an Interconnection agreement (link to agreement)
Determine system components –
battery system for storage is required
if not connected to grid and optional if system is connected to utility grid. |
| Local Zoning |
Check local zoning and plan for approval time.
Need detailed site plan and electrical drawings. |
Check local zoning and plan for approval time.
Need detailed site plan and
electrical drawings. |
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) has just released :
Small Wind Turbine Purchasing Guide: Off-Grid, Residential, Farm and Small Business Applications (Click Here), a guide for consumers interested in the environmental and economic advantages of using wind power to generate their own electricity. This Guide is intended to answer questions like, "is my site appropriate for small wind," "which turbine is best for my purposes," "who can help me install my turbine."
The Guide follows a basic “check-list” approach, from evaluating your wind resource and whether your site is suitable for a small wind turbine to choosing the right equipment, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, selecting an installation.
There is also a Small Wind Purchasing Tips fact sheet.
Download the Small Wind Turbine Purchasing Tips fact sheet (Click Here).
Source: Canadian Wind Energy Association
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Last Updated on Friday, 25 January 2013 14:08 |
