For centuries, the wind's full energy potential has gone virtually untapped. Current technology, however, allows utilities to take advantage of this emission-free resource. State-of-the-art wind turbines, which resemble large airplane propellers, convert the wind's motion into usable electric energy.
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Wind Power
You can take pride that both of WH's power suppliers were recognized as leaders in renewable energy long before it became a law. Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Great River Energy, Wright-Hennepin Electric's power providers, already have turbines that produce 250 megawatts of power for their member systems. You can sign up for blocks of wind power through Wright-Hennepin Electric.
Wright-Hennepin wind generator project
WH's wind power project is intended to help co-op leaders and members better understand the costs, benefits and availability of wind energy in WH's service area. The key question is whether the wind blows enough in the local area to offset installation and on-going operating costs.Quick facts about WH's on-site wind generator
Height upon completion: 120 feet
Manufacturer: Jacobs Wind Energy Systems
Model: 31-20 wind turbine
Peak power rating: 20 KW (enough power for about 3 homes)
Peak output speed: 25.5 miles per hour
Construction completion date: Dec. 17, 2007
WH wind generator web camera:
Check out the Wright-Hennepin's wind generator in real time with our online wind power cam.
Monthly wind and solar power contest:
Enter Wright-Hennepin's monthly wind and solar power contest. Two lucky members will receive a credit on their bill for the amount of electricity produced by the wind generator or solar panels within the contest month. Please note, entrants must have an active electric account. Entries are not carried over from month-to-month and the same member may not win more than once in a one-year period. Wright-Hennepin employees are not eligible for the contest.
This month's wind generation contest winner:
Congratulations to Joseph Luman, Cokato, who was Wright-Hennepin's October 2009 wind generator contest winner. Joseph receives a credit for 585 kilowatt-hours, which was the total amount of electricity produced by Wright-Hennepin's wind generator throughout the month.
Small wind energy systems information:
- www.commerce.state.mn.us
- www.eere.energy.gov
- www.awea.or
- Small Wind Energy Systems Brochure
- Small Wind Electric Systems: A U.S. Consumer's Guide