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MVEC'S RENEWABLE ENERGY DEMONSTATION PROJECT
In September 2007, MVEC completed installation of two renewable energy systems for generation of electricity from solar and wind to supplement energy use at the cooperative’s headquarters office in Anamosa, and to provide a community learning opportunity by demonstrating real-time renewable energy information, accessible on this website.
Sorry, due to construction in the building the renewable energy project and our weather station will be unavailable.
Click Here to see Live Data for PV Array!
or
Live Data for the Wind Generator!
2009 Renewable Energy Production |
Renewable energy from the sun
 The photovoltaic (solar) array, consisting of 2 solar modules, at the cooperative’s site has a total of 8 - 142 Watt and 16 - 71 Watt solar panels manufactured by Sharp, connected to a Fronius IG 2500-LV inverter. The inverter converts the DC energy produced by the solar panels into AC power for use at the office. The modules are mounted on racks attached to a galvanized pipe. Expected annual output based on design and this location is 258 kWh per month or 3096 kWh annually.
To learn more about solar energy applications in Iowa, visit the Iowa Energy Center’s Solar Energy page at: http://www.energy.iastate.edu/renewable/solar/.
Use the online solar calculator and comprehensive solar maps of Iowa. For more information on solar energy systems, connect to http://www.solarexpert.com/Photovoltaics.html
Renewable energy from wind
 The Skystream 3.7 wind energy generator is a 1.8 KW Residential Power Appliance manufactured by Southwest Windpower, in Flagstaff AZ, and is mounted on a 50’ mono tower (35’ is standard). The three blades have a diameter of only 12 feet and the unit has only two moving parts. Located in Anamosa, with lower overall wind speeds, expected annual output is 4120 annually, with minimal, if any, wind generation during summer months. The generator begins producing power at low wind speeds (about 8 miles per hour) and has a rated wind speed of 21 miles per hour. SPECS: Rotor: 12 feet; 50–325 RPM; Alternator: Gearless, permanent magnet brushless; Voltage Output: 208 VAC (Optional 240 VAC), Estimated Energy Production: 400 KWh per month at 12 MPH (5.4 m/s)
Contact a wind or solar designer/installer to help you with the following …..
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SOLAR – photovoltaic array
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Small WIND - residential
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| Site Selection |
Full sun. Even small amount of shading on panel will reduce performance up to 80% |
Smooth clean wind will offer best performance. Place on highest hill away from trees, buildings or other objects that may create turbulence
in the wind. Property that is at least .5 acre and has unobstructed views should meet site criteria. |
| Placement |
Close to system equipment. Greater the distance from PV array to other system equipment, the greater wire diameter needed at higher |
Place wind generator in a location that is 250’ away from any surrounding object. If not possible, locate where prevailing wind direction that is upwind from tower is as clear as possible. |
| System Design |
Determine energy output requirement
Use the solar calculator at Iowa Energy Center’s website: http://www.energy.iastate.edu/
renewable/solar/calculator to determine expected generation
for your location.
Determine if you want to be connected to the electric utility
grid (grid-tie system) or off-grid. |
Match desired output to wind
turbine equipment specifications.
Evaluate wind maps and data
at Iowa Energy Center’s website:
http://www.energy.iastate.edu/
renewable/wind/
Determine if you want to be connected to the electric utility
grid (grid-tie system) or off-grid. |
| Interconnection to electric grid |
IF yes, complete an Interconnection agreement (link to agreement)
Determine system components – battery system for storage is required if not connected to grid and optional if system is
connected to utility grid. |
IF yes, complete an Interconnection agreement (link to agreement)
Determine system components –
battery system for storage is required
if not connected to grid and optional if system is connected to utility grid. |
| Local Zoning |
Check local zoning and plan for approval time.
Need detailed site plan and electrical drawings. |
Check local zoning and plan for approval time.
Need detailed site plan and
electrical drawings. |
Calculate costs including available Tax Credits and other incentives
You may qualify for federal and state tax credits and incentives to offset your investment in renewable energy devices. In 2007, federal residential and business solar tax credits are available. Homeowners who install solar energy systems can receive a tax credit worth 30% of the system cost, capped at $2,000. Businesses that purchase solar equipment can receive a credit worth 30% of the system cost, and 10% for microturbines (under 2MW), subject to caps. Solar and wind equipment is also exempt from Iowa sales tax. Find out more about Federal and Iowa Tax Credit incentives at http://www.dsireusa.org/
Note: This is an educational project only. The Cooperative does not intend to sell these technologies and does not endorse a particular vendor.
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Last Updated on Monday, 30 August 2010 07:02 |
Renewable Energy 
