State offers online Wind energy guide

Pittsburgh Business Times - September 5, 2003

An informational guide is available to consumers who may be considering installing small wind energy systems at their home or small business.

"Small Wind Electric Systems -- A Pennsylvania Consumer's Guide" answers basic questions on wind energy generation and can help someone decide if wind energy will work for them. The guide was produced by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

"Wind energy systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems available for individuals," according to a statement released by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection secretary Kathleen McGinty. "The recent blackout in parts of Canada and portions of America's Midwest and Northeast, including Pennsylvania, spotlighted the need to increase our efforts to improve energy security and technology across the United States. Small wind electric systems can make a significant contribution to our energy needs."

The guide -- which includes a listing of potential funding sources -- will help answer questions such as "Is wind energy practical for me?" and "What do wind systems cost?" and "How much energy will my system generate?"

Meanwhile, the Rendell administration doubled the state's commitment to "green" power. The state has set out to meet 10 percent of its energy needs with energy sources such as biomass, wind, solar, small-scale hydroelectric, landfill methane, coal-bed methane and waste coal.

Pennsylvania is considered a leader on the East Coast of the United States in wind energy production. Wind farms in the state produce 35 megawatts of electricity -- enough to power about 10,000 homes -- with another 110 megawatts coming on line within the next year.

The new wind energy guide is available online at www.paenergy.state.pa.us (Choose: Assistance for Businesses/Wind Energy/Publications).