The Kansas WAC FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renewable energy. Please note,
we are not dealers, we get no compensation from dealers or
manufacturers, and we are not really equipped to evaluate dealers and
manufacturers. This site is meant to make it easier for us to
answer your questions, but it doesn't mean we necessarily endorse all
the companies and individuals we may direct you to. While we do
our best to keep up to date, dealers and manufacturers change
continually. Check the "last updated" date (bottom of page) to
determine how useful our price estimates are. We welcome
feedback on this site, whether broken links or recommendations of new
links.
Who in Kansas sells wind turbines?
- Southwest Wind Power
maintains a searchable database of Skystream dealers (and other
renewables): click on "where to buy"
- Bergey WindPower is probably
the oldest small-turbine manufacturer and is based in Oklahoma
- Entegrity 50-kW
turbines are sized for schools and businesses
- Northern Power has
just started marketing its 100-kW Northwind100 turbine, for schools,
businesses and town governments.
- The US
DOE Wind Technologies website has a FAQ and many more resource links
What about solar power?
What is the average cost of a home-scale renewable energy
system?
- Solar photovoltaic (electric): $8-$10 per installed watt (no
batteries)
- Solar thermal (hot water):
- Wind turbine (electric): $15,000 and up, largely dependent upon
choice of pole.
How big is a home-scale renewable energy system?
- Most homes won't want or need more than 5kW solar or 10kW wind
generation.
- Schools and businesses may want to consider 50kW or more of wind
generation to really reduce energy bills.
- In KS in 2008, it does not make sense to generate more energy
than you can use!
How long does a renewable energy system operate?
- Most solar and wind installations are have 20-yr manufacturer
warranties
- Most solar PV installations will last upwards of 30 years
What about bad weather?
- Wind turbines are designed to shut down in high winds (over 50-60
mph)
- Wind turbines are designed to survive winds upwards of 120 mph
- Solar PV arrays are designed to withstand hail up to golf-ball
size
- Wind turbines usually shut down if iced, and are no more
hazardous than light poles
What kinds of incentives are available for installing
renewable-energy generation?
- In KS in 2008, the only state incentive is a waiver of property
taxes
- Federal laws permit tax write-offs; ask a tax advisor
What will the utility pay me for excess energy?
- In KS in 2008, utilities are required to pay 150% of avoided cost
for "co-generators"
- That means in the range of 4-6 cents/kWh, depending on the
utility and its price of fuel
This page last updated 22 August, 2008 by Ruth Douglas Miller, Kansas Wind Applications Center