From a presentation on wind permitting in Wisconsin by Michael Vickerman, executive director, RENEW Wisconsin:
Why are so many wind projects serving WI utilities located out of state?
1. The wind resource is stronger in states to our west, which reduces the per/MWH cost of development.
2. It is proving exceptionally challenging to secure a permit to build wind projects in Wisconsin, especially those under 100 MW.
From an article by Nick Halter in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature on Tuesday passed bills that would fine drivers who open their doors without first checking for bikers.
The bill, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Jim Doyle, would fine motorists up to $40 for the first offense and up to $100 for the second time in one year. The bill also eliminated the part of the law that requires bicyclists to stay three feet from vehicles.
Nick Holzen, 26, a mechanic at City Bike Works on Third Street in Wausau, said he has been hit by a car in the past and is glad attention is being paid to the issue. He said bike sales are way up at Bike Works and there will be more bicyclists hitting the roads this summer.
“With the economy down, there will be more people out on the road,” he said.
From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:
Many people are interested in using renewable energy to meet their home or business energy needs, but sometimes the process is not clear and people don’t know where to turn for help. Use the steps below as a guide to help you discover whether renewable energy can work for you. . . .
1. LEARN ALL ABOUT IT. . . .
2. GET A SITE ASSESSMENT. . . .
3. CALL AN INSTALLER; GET ESTIMATES. . . .
4. CHECK ZONING, UTILITY REQUIREMENTS, INSURANCE AND OTHER LEGALITIES. . . .
5. SECURE FINANCING. . . .
6. LEARN HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SYSTEM—SAFELY. . . .
7. ENJOY SAVING MONEY AND ENERGY. . . .
FOR MORE INFORMATION: focusonenergy.com
Contact Focus on Energy to learn more about renewable energy choices. We have fact sheets and case studies featuring solar water heating, solar electricity, passive solar design, bioenergy and wind turbines for homes, farms and businesses. Renewable
energy incentives are also available. Call 800.762.7077 for more information.
From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:
Rising energy costs and concern for energy security and the environment are driving forces in a growing trend to incorporate renewable energy technology into residential housing. Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes Program recognize this as an opportunity for builders. The following checklist of building details is a first step to promote and market the construction of new homes that are built “ready” for future renewable energy installations.
PLANNING AHEAD IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
To maximize the potential benefit of any future solar renewable energy system, the following should be considered when planning and building a home.
1. Reduce loads
Reduce or minimize energy loads where possible through the home’s heating, cooling, water heating and electrical systems. At a minimum the home should satisfy the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program building performance standards and, where possible, incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, appliances and HVAC systems.
2. Maximize solar access
To maximize solar access, face the roof surface and pitch within 30 degrees of due south. The roof should be unobstructed from both the winter and summer sun and have a slope of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. For more information on solar access, see the Passive Solar Design fact sheet or contact the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program at 800.762.7077 for solar site assessment information.
3. Follow zoning laws and applicable codes
Wisconsin State law does not allow zoning or covenants that restrict the use of a solar energy system except for reasons of health and safety. Also investigate applicable Uniform Dwelling Code and the National Electric Code as they pertain to any pre-installation requirements.
From a fact sheet pubilshed by Focus on Energy:
Pole-mounted solar electric systems offer an excellent opportunity for businesses to display a commitment to renewable energy. Also called solar flags, these systems are economical because they tend to be small. Today, solar flags are seen outside business establishments, in parking lots and in city parks. Not only do solar flags generate electricity, they also promote clean energy technology in a highly visible way.
When most people think of solar panels, they think of roof-mounted systems. However, roof-mounted systems are often hidden from view, partially shaded by trees, or not facing the best direction to capture solar energy. Solar flags can be installed in highly visible locations and positioned optimally to capture sunlight. Installing a solar flag does not involve attaching anything to your building, and the occasional maintenance requirements will not include a trip to the roof. Also, unlike roofmounted systems, pole-mounted solar flags do not need to be removed and reinstalled when the roof is replaced.
Solar electric flags can offer great economics and a relatively low cost. They are available in different sizes and prices (see Table 1). Costs tend to be significantly lower for business owners who pay federal taxes. If your electric utility offers a solar buyback rate, your solar flag can pay for itself in less than ten years. What’s more, some utilities offer additional incentives to nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
An article from The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
Kohl’s Corp. now get more than 50 percent of its energy from renewable energy sources, enough to rank it the third-largest buyer of “green” power in the country, according to federal officials.
The Menomonee Falls-based department store chain moved up in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership list of the top 50 buyers of green power from eighth in 2008. Kohl’s more than doubled its annual usage of power from renewable sources to 601 million kilowatt-hours from 236 million a year ago, the EPA said Monday.
Kohl’s trails fellow Fortune 500 companies Intel Corp. (1.3 billion kWh) and PepsiCo (1.14 billion kWh) on the list. Kohl’s is the top ranked retail company. Retailer Whole Foods Market (527 million kWh) ranked fifth on the list behind Dell Inc. (553.7 million kWh).
Kohl’s purchases of green power includes energy from such sources as solar, wind and landfill gas. According to the EPA, Kohl’s green power purchase is equivalent to avoiding carbon dioxide emissions of more than 79,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly 60,000 average American homes annually.
Ranking 37th on the list of the top 50 green power purchasers was the state of Wisconsin (92.4 million kWh). The state is buying biomass, solar and wind generated power from state utilities Madison Gas & Electric, We Energies and Wisconsin Public Power Inc. No other Wisconsin-based concern made the EPA’s 2009 list.