Renewable Energy 101

Agenda

Why Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Basics

Financing a Renewable Energy System

About Zenergy

Why Renewable Energy?

It’s good for:

the planet

the next generation

the economy

the electric company

you!

Renewable Energy is good for… the planet

Reduces Emissions

Mercury in our lakes

Smog in our air

Renewable Energy is good for… the next generation

Saving valuable resources:

Coal, gas, oil

Water

Renewable Energy is good for… the economy

Home-grown commodity not purchased from hostile countries, etc.

Local Jobs

Secure jobs

Family budget

Renewable Energy is good for…electric companies

More energy is needed either way

6% Increased supply projected in 2015

19% Increased demand projected in 2015

Renewable Energy is good for…electric companies

If produced locally, less stress

on transmission system

Renewable Energy is good for…electric companies

The wind blows during the day in our area when power is most needed

Renewable Energy is good for…electric companies

“Smart Grid”

Renewable Energy is good for…electric companies

Renewable Energy Credits becoming valuable

A “Golden” opportunity?

Renewable Energy is good for…you!

Great PR for your business

Back up power if desired

Solid financial investment

Peace of mind

So what exactly is a kWh?

1,000 watts in 1 hour

100 watts over 10 hours

25 watts over 40 hours

1 watt over 1,000 hours

How much can a solar panel produce?

Depends on the size

Typical ones 150 – 200 watts

WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS BRIGHTEST

Sample 1 kW System

How much can a wind turbine produce?

Depends on the size

Rated at wind speed when it performs best

Sample 1 kW Wind Turbine

Will that run my home?

Probably not!

The cheapest watt is a “negawatt” – the one you don’t have

to make!

Every dollar spent in efficiency saves $3 you’d spend trying

to make the power yourself

Cheapest, simplest RE system is to offset your grid power,

not replace it all together

How much does it cost?

$6 - $10 per “installed watt”

= $6,000 – 10,000 per installed kW

Depends on complexity of system, quality of components

used, height of wind tower, more

Are there any incentives?

Now is a GREAT time!

$2.00 per installed watt from MN Solar Rebate

(if NABCEP installer)

$2.00 per installed watt from Great River Energy

30% federal tax credit (taken after rebates)

How long until ROI?

10 – 30 years, depending on rebates, etc.

If getting all rebates, typical about 12 years

First 12 years, you’ve purchased that energy at a fixed rate

(like a tank of LP gas)

After that, free energy for years to come

Increases value of property (but not property taxes!)

About Zenergy

Service from WCTA

Began looking for backup power to nodes

About Zenergy

Lots of research needed

Xcel grant to study more

Xcel Energy Supports West Central Telephone's Renewable Energy Research

Cooperative Selected to Receive $137,000 for Wind and Solar Power Pilot Project

About Zenergy

About Zenergy

Highly technical staff

NABCEP certified Master Electrician

About Zenergy

Local connection

QUESTIONS?

www.ZenergyGuide.com