Prairie schools to get power from small-wind turbines
Skystream small-wind turbines at a NASA daycare center in Houston.
The schools are in Stratton, Flagler, Wellington, Kit Carson, Walsh and Burlington. The program, meant to bring clean energy, is part of a collaborative effort between the Governor’s Energy Office, Colorado State University, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
A Southwest Windpower Skystream 1.8-kilowatt machine will be installed. They will supply on a portion of the schools’ energy also will be used as teaching tools.
“These wind turbine projects represent another important way all regions of Colorado are participating in our New Energy Economy,” Ritter said. “Educating today’s young people about the benefits and mechanics of renewable energy systems prepares them for a wealth of future opportunities and demonstrates the crucial role our rural communities can play in mapping out a new energy future for Colorado and the country.”
The turbines also give the community the opportunity to learn more about small wind turbines, how they operate and the costs and maintenance. The local utility will learn about how to integrate small wind into their distribution system and local installers will be able to work on a community project that will market this technology to other community members.
“It’s a great fit for our area in that wind is something we deal with all of our lives around here; it’s great to see it finally put to some productive use,” said Kyle Hebberd, superintendent of Walsh School District RE-1. “It’ll increase the awareness around here about wind power. We see it as a stepping stone to a larger project that might make some difference financially for the school.”
Most of the new turbines, which cost between $12,000 and $15,000, should be installed this summer. Under the Wind for Schools Program, the Governor’s Energy Office will provide $5,000 and NREL will contribute an additional $2,500 to purchase the Renewable Energy Credits generated by the small turbines. The school districts contribute the remaining expenses involved.
The Skystream 1.8-kW machines will generate about 300 kilowatt-hours per month depending on the wind resource in an area. This is roughly the equivalent of the monthly electricity consumption of a small residence.
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Sounds like a school would consume more electricity than a small residence.
Sounds like spending a lot of money for a little return.
Sounds like another costly liberal lost leader.
Sounds like ObamaRitterism.
Wake up American.
Now we just move the wind bag politicians out next by the wind generators and we can achieve prepetual motion!!
art
Arto,
At times you are brilliant. !
If you’ve ever driven through Burlington and nearly been blown off I-70 you can see how this is worth a try, a wonder it hasn’t been done before. Don’t knock it before they try it, Gene. -Kristen
Kristen,
Just don’t try it with my money. And your money, if you thought about it.
You do realize, Xcel Energy is raising everyones rates to make greener energy?
You do realize, money Ritter is throwing at the green stuff is our (you and me state taxpayers) money.
I have nothing against developing wind power. It has its place. It is not the total answer as these politicians lead you to believe.
How about letting someone like T. Boone Pickens or George Soros use their money to develop it and let them reap the rewards later. Those people are smart enough to know the truth. They want to use taxpayer money.
Kristen,
I find this ideas very interesting. Can I get one for my house? I need a less cost one though. For 12 thousand bucks I can pay the electric company a lot of years at my current bills. Is the high costs because of the fat cat hurting the common man? If so, obama will help bring the pricing down like he is doing with GM cars.
Thanks before hand Kristen for answering my questions.
art
Otto Arto
took his smart pill,
but Obama Auto remains.
So sorry.
To be a proper haiku, that would be:
Art took his smart pill
Obama auto remains
oh, so sorry
Mary, Mary
quite to the contrary,
I am not a proper haiku,
like you and Arto and Obama too.
Good poetic tempo!!