potomac wind energy presents:

POTOMAC WIND ENERGY

Presents:

Small Wind Turbines for residential and business use.

May 2008

Wind Power in the U.S.(1)

Small wind requires less wind to operate than utility-scale wind energy applications

A Valuable and Widely-Available Resource: Small Wind Energy Systems

 Value ofPower =6-18¢ / kWh Installed costof $2-$3/Watt, wind energyis 1/3 to 1/2that of solartechnologies

Costs for small wind turbines are projectedto decrease to $1.50 / kW by 2010

Wind Power in the U.S. (2)

Wind Power Basics:(1)

How Does a Wind Turbine Work?

• Wind turbines use the energy in the wind to turn two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.

• Wind turbines can be used to produce electricity for a single home or building, or they can be connected to an electricity grid.

Wind Power Basics: (2)

Types of Wind Turbines

Modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups:

horizontal-axis variety

vertical-axis design

Wind Power Basics:(3)

Turbine systems

Wind Power Basics: (4)

Sizes of Wind Turbines

Utility-scale turbines range in size from 100 kilowatts to as large as several megawatts. Larger turbines are grouped together into wind farms, which provide bulk power to the electrical grid.

Smaller turbines, below 100 kilowatts, are used to provide energy for homes, businesses, schools, telecommunications dishes, or water pumping.

Wind Facts: Noise

• Modern turbines are relatively quiet

• Rule of thumb – stay about 3x hub-height away from houses

Wind Resources (local)(1)

Wind Resources (local)(2)

Maryland Statistics

Power Capacity - Existing projects (MW): 0

Power Capacity - Projects under construction (MW): 0

Rank In US (by Existing Capacity): 38

Rank In US (by Potential Capacity): 37

Potential Capacity (in MW): 338

Annual Energy (in billion kWh): 3

Top Ranking States: Texas, California ,and Iowa

Wind Resources: BLANK(3)

Wind Resources: Investment and Incentives(1)

Small wind energy systems carry substantial upfront capital costs, but states can do a lot to make them more affordable.

• Rebates or grant programs (10 states) • Personal or corporate tax incentives    (14 states) • Sales tax exemptions   (10 states) • Property tax exemptions   (18 states) • Loan funds (15 states) • Net metering policies   (33 states)

Wind Resources: Investment and Incentives(2)

Grants and Rebates• Investment incentives are valuable in reducing the effective capital

cost of renewable projects. • Grants may be more appropriate for on- and off-grid, small-scale

systems in which most of the power produced is used on-site.

Revolving Loan Funds• Direct loan programs can include economic development bonds,

government and utility loans, community development programs and green bonds.

Wind Resources: Investment and Incentives(3)

Sales Tax Reductions• Wind generators involve high capital costs but no fuel costs. • Sales tax must be paid on almost all of a wind energy investment --

turbines, towers, and other equipment. Reducing or exempting renewable energy facilities from sales taxes would place them on a more fair and competitive footing.

Property Tax Reductions• Residential renewable energy systems are assessed as property

improvements and can significantly drive up a landowner's tax liability.

• Local and state authorities can exempt residential systems.

Wind Power Technology: Skystream 3.7(1)

• Rated Capacity: 1.9 kW continuous output, 2.6 kW peak

• Rotor: 12 feet (3.72 m); 50-325 RPM

• Interconnection: Utility connected or battery charging

• Alternator: Gearless, permanent magnet brushless

• Voltage Output: 240 VAC (Optional 208 VAC)

• Estimated Energy Production: 400 KWh per month at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s)

• Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg)

• Tower: Towers from 34-70 feet (10.4-21.3 m) are available;

• Warranty: Five year limited

Home and Grid-Tie Applications

Requirements for connecting distributed generation systems to the electricity grid vary widely. Check your State regulations for details.

Wind Power Technology: Skystream 3.7(2)

Installation

Wind Energy Resources

Information Sources

• Wind Powering Americahttp://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/Pages with wind maps, general small wind information

• Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energyhttp://www.dsireusa.org/Lists tax and rebate incentives by state

• State Wind Resource Mapshttp://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/wind_maps.asp

• American Council on Renewable Energyhttp://www.acore.org/Works to bring all renewable energy into the mainstream of America's economy and lifestyle

• American Wind Energy Association: http://www.awea.org/smallwind/• National Renewable Energy Laboratory: http://www.nrel.gov/wind/• U.S. Department of Energy:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10880

• Skystream 3.7: http://www.skystreamenergy.com/skystream/product-info/

Q&AThank you!