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Land-Based Wind Collaborative

wind

Introduction
Wind Power generation is the fastest growing sector of the energy market.  Wind power is clean, renewable and abundant.   Cape Cod and the Islands has some of the most robust wind resources in the country.  There are a number of municipalities in Massachusetts that are in the process of exploring the development of wind power. The majority of these towns are participating in the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Community Wind Initiative, which assists towns in assessing their wind resource and completing a feasibility study.  Click here for more information.

A Wind Task Force made up of members of the Cape Light Compact, the electricity aggregator for Cape and Martha's Vineyard, formed to help identify some of the frequently asked questions that may arise when a town is contemplating the idea of wind power development.
Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get started-where do I obtain basic information?

To get started,  there are a few basic things that need to be determined. 
    Has the town formed an energy committee already?
    Does the town have a good spot to potentially place wind turbines?
    Is there a large electrical load that could be fed by wind power at or near the town's site for wind turbines?
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Community Wind Initiative is the best place to start for beginning the process of getting meteorological equipment for the town's site since they cover the predevelopment costs.

  • Does the Cape Light Compact have a data bank for towns who have not yet been involved in land-based wind?

Yes, on this site you can see what towns are in the process of examining the potential for wind power. Click here for that list

  • What should the makeup of a town’s committee consist of-what qualifications should members have?  Should it be called an "Alternative Energy Committee" or "Renewable Energy Committee"?

There are some towns that have developed a committee that is solely in existence to determine if wind power is right for their town.
Energy Committee is a good term for a committee that is providing guidance for the town on energy issues that will help save energy and money for the town-everything from energy efficiency, green building, alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy. If the group feels it essential to qualify their focus they should consider the following: The term "alternative" tends to marginalize the essence of the work. The terms "Renewable" or "Clean" are much more readily accepted by the general public and don't tend to illicit a negative image.

  • Should this committee be separate and apart from the town’s Energy Committee if one exists or should it incorporate this committee?

 The committee should be incorporating wind into its work. However, if there is no energy committee, a renewable energy or wind energy committee can form and then morph into a more comprehensive committee that looks at all of the town's energy issues.

  • How many members should be included?

 The number of members depends on what the committee's goals are.  Towns have between 5 and 10 members.

  • Is it necessary for the town to have an Energy Committee to start this process?

 It is not necessary, but certainly helps, especially if the citizens want to have a role in the process.  It also takes much of the pressure off of the town administrator and the selectmen.

  • What action should be expected from the Board of Selectmen? Initiate the committee and provide charge to members?

 If the town decides to work with the MTC, the selectmen and the energy committee meet with the Community Wind Collaborative representative and discuss the process.  The MTC outlines what is required of the town and provides information on the feasibility study and the process for getting an anemometer installed at the town's designated site.

  • What is role of various town professionals and should some of them be assigned to the committee- Planners, administrators, town engineers?

  It is essential that some town professionals be involved in the process.  Having a selectman that is interested in being a champion for the project is very helpful, especially if they choose to work on the committee level.  Engaging the town engineer, the planner, the administrator and any other critical municipal players can help pave the way for a smoother evaluation process.
It is critical to spend time with the town engineer identifying locations where a turbine could be situated that fits the needs of the town and where the power could be used on site.

  • How do we pick a suitable site for a wind turbine? How many acres are needed and how does this depend on the number of turbines being considered?

A topographical map is a fine place to start.  Identify town-owned properties that have a higher elevation and are rather than a lower one then discuss with the town engineer what facilities exist on the property, considering what loads are on the property. An industry standard indicates that for a single turbine, there may be other structures and uses immediately adjacent.  For multiple turbine installations, adequate spacing needs to be maintained for optimal turbine performance.  The spacing is directly related to the orientation of the site as well as the size of the turbines planned for the site.  A good rule of thumb for spacing between the turbines is 4-6 rotor diameters.  Rotor diameters may be accessed at the bottom of the page in the Resource Section.

  • What is a “Met Tower” and what does it do?

 A "met tower" is a meteorological tower that collects wind speed and direction data at a number of heights on the tower.  These towers lightweight, guy-supported and have simple base plate and anchors for simplified erection. They are temporary structures that do not need a foundation.  The UMASS REL crew conduct a  soil analysis to determine the soundness of the area in supporting a met tower and the associated guy wires.

  • What kind of wind analysis is available? Is it necessary and how is that arranged? Is it  necessary to have real wind data at your proposed site if data from a nearby met tower is available to you? How near would site have to be?

Wind speeds vary from location to location, and many experts tend to be skeptical of the wind resource maps for site specific data verification.  Therefore, it is important to gather wind data from the location where a wind turbine would be sited. The taller the meteorological tower, the better. The UMASS crew normally installs towers between 40 and 50 meters.  This data is collected for 12 months and analyzed to give the site owners some sense of where the prevailing winds are, what the diurnal wind speeds are as well as the winter, summer and annual speeds are.

  • What public and private organizations are available within the Commonwealth to provide technical and monetary support for our efforts?

 The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will provide services to a municipality wishing to investigate the options of wind.

  • What is initial financial impact to the town. What do we have to invest to get started?

 If the town decides to explore the possibilities through the MTC's Community Wind Collaborative, then there is no expense for the feasibility study.  However, once the feasibility study is completed, if the town decides to use a private developer then the business plan will be conducted by that private developer not the MTC.  If the town decides that they would like to do the development, then the MTC will sponsor the business plan.

  •  What is MTC, how was it formed, how does it get funded? What is role of MTC and how do we get them involved or interested in our efforts? Who is the local (Cape) contact?

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is the state’s development agency for renewable energy and the innovation economy, which is responsible for one-quarter of all jobs in the state. MTC administers the John Adams Innovation Institute and the Renewable Energy Trust. They work to stimulate economic activity in communities throughout the Commonwealth.
The MTC brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to advance technology-based solutions that lead to economic growth and a cleaner environment in Massachusetts.
By developing energy from wind, solar, and other renewable resources, the state can reduce its reliance on coal, oil, and other fossil fuels that contribute to air pollution and global warming. Investments in the emerging clean energy market stimulate new economic activity in the renewable industry and job growth across Massachusetts. By forming dynamic partnerships with key stakeholders, the agency serves as a catalyst for growing the innovation economy.
The Renewable Energy Trust seeks to maximize environmental and economic benefits for the Commonwealth’s citizens by pioneering and promoting clean energy technologies and fostering the emergence of sustainable markets for electricity generated from renewable sources.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative collects the system benefits charge from utility bills from investor-owned utilities and reinvests the funds in renewable energy installations.  The system benefit charge is on the electricity bill as "renewable energy" under "Delivery Services".  The MTC's Community Wind Collaborative is supported by these funds.
If your town is interested in pursuing a feasibility study for wind power development,  it is very simple to get the MTC to come and make a presentation on the Community Wind Collaborative.  They will provide details of what services they can make available to your town for analyzing the potential for wind power development.
Richard Elrick is currently the Cape Cod representative for the MTC's  Community Wind Collaborative.  He may be contact at r.elrick@verizon.net His phone number is 508.477.2304 and his cell number is: 508.280.3164

  • What have other towns accomplished, and how do I find out what has already been done?

 Here is a list of what towns on the Cape and Vineyard have joined the MTC's Community Wind Collaborative. 
Orleans:
Orleans installed a 50 meter met tower to collect data on October 27, 2003.  The  tower collected data until May 2005.  For the UMASS reports on the wind data for Orleans, click: http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/Orleans/

Orleans worked with RW Beck consultants and the MTC to conduct the feasibility study for the town.  The town of Orleans went to the Town Meeting on May 9th with a proposal for the town to pursue wind development and passed warrant articles supporting the wind turbine(s) project 398 votes to 22.
Orleans had Sodar in place for a few weeks.  An RFP for the turbines purchase has been prepared by R.W. Beck and is due in September. It is hoped that the turbine order can be submitted in the near future in order to procure turbines for the project.
Contacts for Orleans: Kevin Galligan, Peg Wineman,

Falmouth:
Falmouth began investigating the possibilities of wind power in 2002.  The town joined the International Coalition for Local Environmental Initiatives Cities for Climate Protection program in 2002.  The town had an audit of the greenhouse gas emissions completed in August 2002.  It became evident that the wastewater treatment facility was one of the largest electricity users in the town and it also happened to be situated on a high spot in Falmouth.  The Falmouth Energy Committee and the Falmouth Selectmen met with the MTC to discuss participating in the Community Wind Collaborative.  In the fall of 2003, Falmouth agreed that it would like to participate in the program and KEMA is the consulting firm the town is working with on the feasibility study. 

A 40 meter met tower was installed at the beginning of May 2004 and data collection was completed at the end of May 2005. To see data, click here http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/Falmouth/
Sodar is in Falmouth until mid-July 2005.

The Falmouth Energy Committee has recently completed a Climate Action Protection Plan that looks at ways for the municipality and its citizens to reduce energy and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Contacts for Falmouth: Megan Amsler, 508.457.7679; Joan Muller, 508.457.0495 ext. 107

Bourne:
In August 2004, a 50 meter met tower was installed at the Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School through the MTC's Community Wind Initiative. Data for Bourne's met tower may be accessed here: http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/Bourne/
The Upper Cape Regional Technical School is the organization that is pursuing the turbine project as the town is not currently exploring any other locations.
 Contact for Bourne: Barry Motta, UCRT Superintendent.  508.759.7711

Barnstable:
In 2002, the town of Barnstable joined the International Coalition for Local Environmental Initiatives Cities for Climate Protection program. They completed their greenhouse gas emissions inventory in August 2002. Barnstable installed a 40 meter met tower at the wastewater treatment facility in Late March 2005.  Data collection is ongoing, but the collected data may be viewed at:  http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/Barnstable/
 Contact for Barnstable is Mark Giordano, Sr. project manager, DPW.  508.862.4075

Provincetown:
Town is officially not participating in the MTC's Community Wind Collaborative at this time.

Wellfleet:
Town is still considering its options for a met tower installation through the MTC Community Wind Collaborative's program. There is a renewable energy committee in Wellfleet.  Tim Smith, Town Administrator may also be contacted for information.

Brewster:
The Alternative Energy Committee chose a section of the Captain's Golf Course parking lot as the  location of a Met tower. This site has been evaluated and recommended by Sally Wright of UMASS.  On September 22, 2005, the Committee sent a letter on town letterhead confirming the acceptance of the Met tower.  The Committee is awaiting a response that will include a schedule for installation of the met tower.
Contacts for Brewster: Dean Keuche, 508.896.5461 dkeuch@verizon.net

Chatham:
MTC is waiting to hear back from town after its review of site assessment report. The town of Chatham is working with the MTC's Community Wind Initiative.

Tisbury:
Town has received approval from FAA for MET tower at landfill – but because the MTC has determined it won’t support placement of a Met tower on landfill, in light of additional costs and difficulties in obtaining DEP approval, the town is now looking for a new site. 
Energy Committee member contact is Henry Stephenson, 508.696.1814.

Yarmouth:
Town has received FAA approval for Met tower and a Determination of Presumed Hazard for its four turbines. It doesn’t rule out the turbines but increases the time and difficulty in getting final approval. MTC and town will consider their options in light of FAA Determination and make a decision on how to proceed over the next week or two.

Mashpee:
Town is officially not participating in the MTC's Community Wind Initiative at this time.

Harwich:
The town of Harwich has had a 50 meter met tower up since 2001 at the town's landfill. Harwich has discontinued operations after three years, gathering data at one location with a private developer. Currently MTC is developing a site evaluation based on the four sites which have been reseached by the Utility & Energy Conservation Commission for the town and hope to have a new met tower installed at one of these sites within a few months.
Energy Committee contacts: Barry Worth, Bill Doherty, Larry Cole

Dennis:
The town is working to establish an energy committee to determine potential sites if they would like to schedule a site assessment. They are planning to work with the MTC's Community Wind Collaborative.

Eastham:
On July 17, 2003, the town of Eastham had a 40 meter met tower installed.  UMASS REL collected data at their site until August 27, 2004.  Easham is working with Black and Veatch consultants to do their feasibility study through the MTC Community Wind Collaborative.  That data may be viewed at: http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/Eastham/

 

  • Are there existing wind turbine sites in service on or near Cape Cod and how do I get to visit them and learn from their owners? What are the contact names?

Currently the closest utility-scale wind turbine to Cape Cod is in the Town of Hull.  They have a 660 kilowatt Vestas turbine and are planning to install a larger turbine in the very near future.  The contact to get a tour of Hull is John MacLeod Hull Municipal Light District.  The phone number is: 781.925.0051. It is important to remember that Hull is a municipal utility and has a very different framework than towns on the Cape that are served by the investor-owned utilities.
There is a 100 kilowatt turbine, which is considered a medium scale turbine, at the IBEW building in Quincy, just off the Southeast Expressway.  The contact there is: Martin Aikens.  617.436.3710, ext. 5

  • How do I determine what electric loads I can serve? Is it necessary to have a large town load to serve and what are the relative advantages of siting the turbine there rather than some other site which has better wind or open space?

 Determining the electrical loads of the town that may be eligible for behind-the-meter supply from wind generation can be done by meeting with the town's engineer, the town electrician or a selectman that has a firm handle on the loads and potential for growth of that demand. 

  • Can a wind turbine serve multiple meters on a site?

The answer to this is very site and project specific, but overall the answer is Yes.  The wind turbine needs to have a dedicated meter that reads the output, but if the subsequent meters of the other loads on the site are connected to the turbine's meter, in a parallel configuration and the lines are not crossing a public way, then this will work.  The way to think about this is having the wind turbine and its meter and the other meters that you want to serve from the turbine as "behind the meter" of the main meter.
Joe Feraci of NSTAR is the interconnection contact who can help answer questions and reviews the interconnection applications.  He may be reached at joseph_feraci@nstaronline.com or 781.441.8186.

  • While considering revenue stream to the town, what are the differences if a large municipal load can be served by wind turbine at site of turbine or if the output of the generator is fed into the grid and brought back to load site?

When considering the way to maximize the financial benefits of using wind, behind-the-meter generation is the most financially beneficial option at the moment.  The easiest way to think about this concept is that instead of buying power from the utility, you will have a renewable energy generator on-site that will offset the amount of kilowatt hours you need to purchase.  That means that you will be offsetting the 14 or 15 cents per kilowatt hour that is charged for delivered power. 
Wind power in the power market is demanding between 3 and 4 cents per kilowatt hour.  That is substantially different than 14 or 15 cents of avoided electricity costs.  But if the town is going to be working with a private developer and leasing the town's land to that developer for the purpose of installing wind turbines, then a leasing arrangement can be made, thus providing more revenue for the town.  Also, since a private developer will have an appetite for the Federal Production Tax Credits, and the system will be creating RECs, these are other bargaining chips that can help the town increase the revenue to the town.
However, if the town has a load that can be meet by wind power, but the town wishes to work with a private developer, a power purchase agreement can be made to provide the town with cheaper than retail electricity, which would make the situation more cost effective than selling the power into the grid.  Again, there will be income from the RECs and lease payments to be considered.

  • What are the advantages/disadvantages of connecting directly to the grid or the load to be served?

 Currently, it is financially more beneficial to serve an on-site load.  The current net metering legislation is limited to 60 kilowatts.  But larger renewable energy installations may be dual metered up to 5 megawatts.

  • Is it necessary to get approval from NStar and/or is it necessary or possible to sell excess energy to them or Cape Light Compact?

 It is necessary to file an interconnection application with the utility for any size renewable energy system that is connecting to the grid.  For systems over 10 kilowatts, small IEEE-compliant, inverter-based interconnections less than 10 kW. For these systems, there are no fees for the interconnection approval process, and applications must be processed within 15 days. However, if the proposed interconnection is on a distribution network circuit, the utility may charge a $100 fee to review the network protector's interaction with the system.  
The Cape Light Compact is very interested in purchasing any excess power from land-based wind installations, as well as the renewable energy credits from the systems.  Joe Soares, Power Supply Manager, is the person to contact at the Cape Light Compact.  He may be reached at 508. 375.6648.

  • Is the CLC interested in purchases from small town owned or town sponsored generator sites? Who are contacts to speak to in this regard?

 The Cape Light Compact is very interested in purchasing the power from any wind power installation in the region.   Joe Soares, the Power Supply Manager at the Cape Light Compact is the contact to speak with about power purchase. 508. 375.6648.

  • What are “RECS” (Renewable Energy Certificates) and what is the relationship to a wind turbine? Who is interested in purchasing them and why?
  • In Massachusetts, there is a Renewable Portfolio Standard, whose quota may be met by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates "RECS" or Green Tags.  The Renewable Portfolio Standards in Massachusetts was implemented in April 2002 by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER). The final regulations for the RPS require all retail electricity providers in MA to utilize new renewable energy sources for at least 1% of their power supply in 2003, increasing to 4% by 2009. 
     
    Eligible new renewables include solar; wind; ocean thermal, wave, and tidal; fuel cells using renewable fuels; landfill gas; and low emission, advanced technology biomass systems, which must have been installed after December 31, 1997.  
    Compliance Dates for New Renewables:  
  • 1.0% by 2003
  • 1.5% by 2004                                            
  • 2.0% by 2005                                                     
  • 2.5% by 2006               
  • 3.0% by 2007  
  • 3.5% by 2008  
  • 4.0% by 2009

The Alternative Compliance Payment for 2005 has been set at  $53.19 per MWh.  These   funds go to the MTC to be invested in renewable energy.
The RPS builds a market demand for renewable energy.  Once a renewable energy system is on-line and connected to the grid, the RECS from that system are able to be bought and sold. 
 For every green electron that is generated from a "new" renewable energy source, that electron has a monetary value and  its attributes are considered tradeable credits.   which was enacted in 2003. 

  • What is the CLC Green program and why is this important to a town anxious to gain revenue from installation of a wind turbine generator?

Cape Light Compact Green will allow you to purchase cleaner, healthier electricity as part of your regular electric bill and is available to all Cape Light Compact customers. 
The Cape Light Compact Green product is from 100% renewable energy resources all located right here in New England.
Click here to enroll, and we will contact you soon with more detailed information.
CLC green Frequently Asked Questions

  • How large a generator should we consider and should multiple units be considered?

 Many towns are considering between a 1.5 megawatt turbine, a 2.3 megawatt turbine as well as a number of these turbines on a parcel. The Mass. Maritime Academy is installing a 660 kilowatt turbine and other sites are considering systems in the 800 kilowatt range as well.

  • What are Stand-By charges and back-up (supplemental) power charges and why are they needed. How  do they apply to this type generation?

 There are no standby charges for renewable energy systems. 

  • What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of having a private developer involved in the project?

 The advantages of having a private developer involved are: turn-key site preparation to energy production minimizes the towns financial risk.
The disadvantages of working with a developer are: lack of local control, contractual commitments, maximum benefits are potentially restricted, particularly in the dollars leaving the local economy.

  • Who will purchase and construct the wind turbine and is a private/municipal partnership of advantage to the town?

 There are some towns that are considering purchasing the turbine and owning the whole system, contracting out for maintenance.  Others are looking to lease the land to a developer and have nothing to do with the installation other than getting power or getting the revenue from the installation.

  • Is it practical to have maintenance of a town-owned wind turbine performed by a service contract?

 It is recommended that if the town owns its turbines that it purchase a service contract as it would for any other mechanical device.  The service contracts are usually made with the manufacture of the turbine.

  • If our town does not have technical persons willing to serve on an  Energy committee, is it reasonable to expect that we would hire a consultant who can guide us through the steps? Or is it necessary to do this for any situation? Are such companies readily available?

It is good to try to enlist the assistance of technically and energy-oriented people for the town's energy committee.  This is not necessary and when working with the MTC and their wind consultants, the technical expertise is readily available.

  • What is role of State regulatory agencies in this process (DTE and DOER)?

 The DTE provides a regulatory structure for distributed generation.  The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) implements energy policy for the state of Massachusetts.  They also provide advocacy and informational support for renewable energy projects in Massachusetts.

  • Is it necessary to have a paid professional staff established to pursue this issue?

 Most towns do not have a paid person who is assigned to work on this.  Most work is being done at the committee level.

  • What are the Zoning Requirements for a wind turbine

 Zoning requirements for a wind turbine are determined on a town by town basis.  Many towns have height restrictions and a met tower and a wind turbine would require a variance.

  • Is air traffic a consideration?

 Proximity to public airports needs to be considered.   The FAA needs to be notified for any structure in excess of 200 feet.  It is critical to determine if your site is within 2 miles of an airport.

  • Is approval needed from the Cape Cod Commission?

 Most municipal wind projects are not triggering a review by the Cape Cod Commission. 

  • What are the aesthetic considerations for a wind turbine?

 Aesthetics need to be considered.  Many people who have no experience with wind turbines may be more concerned with the aesthetic impact of having a wind turbine in their town or near their property.  For many of the municipal locations being considered on Cape Cod, the level of potential visibility is less than one would anticipate.

  • What is role of town Planning Board and Board of Appeals? Are there standard by-laws available to assist us in setting up the bylaw which our town needs to accommodate this problem?

Orleans Bylaw
Fairhaven Bylaw -The wind portion begins on page 28
The Cape Cod Commission and Cape Light Compact model by-law

  • What is involved in getting the public in town educated so that they accept land based wind as a positive for the town? Are there special education programs designed to deal with property owners who are direct abutters?

 There are very good educational outreach people available on the Cape through Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Self-Reliance, UMASS  and others who can help you put together the right materials and address the citizens concerns in a way that educates and allays fears of wind power.

  • What are the economics and how can the town profit from setting up a wind turbine?

The most economically viable model for wind power is to serve an on-site load.  This way the town is avoiding the purchase price of power when the system is producing electricity, which can be upwards of 15 cents per kilowatt hour. In addition, excess power produced but not consumed on-site can be sold to the grid through a power purchase agreement.
By selling to the grid with a power purchase agreement, the economics are not as viable as the behind-the-meter model, but may still prove to be profitable. 

  • Are there private companies interested in working with the towns?

 There are many private companies interested in working with towns on their wind projects.  One concern that should be considered thoroughly before getting involved with a private company is, does the town know what they want and need from the developer?  It is critical that the town be driving the project, not the developer.

  • Should we consider leasing or selling town land for a wind turbine and what are the issues and consequences of this process?

 Leasing town land to a private developer may be an option for the town if the financing looks better than any other option, a respectable power purchase agreement can be made if the town wants or needs the power.  If the town is not in need of the power, then the Cape Light Compact should be offered the right of first refusal for purchasing the power.

  • What training sessions or seminars are available or have been held recently which would provide background. What papers can be accessed?

 Self-Reliance and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve have been co-sponsoring a series of Land-based Municipal Wind Workshops that address a variety of issues that towns have identified with relation to utility-scale wind development. A workshop is held once every 6 to 9 months.  Presentations and resources from these workshops are listed in the Resource section below.
Wind 101 workshops are also held periodically by various groups on the Cape.  Any town may request Sally Wright of the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Laboratory to come and give a wind 101 presentation to their town and the expense is covered through the MTC's Community Wind Collaborative.

  • What kind of feasibility study is needed and where do I find outlines of previously completed ones? Is this the point where a business plan is developed?

 Once a town decides to move forward to examine the potential wind resource, a meteorological tower site is chosen.  That tower is installed and data collection begins.  A year's worth of data needs to be collected and if a shorter tower is being utilized, it is best to request that Sodar be used to verify the wind data and get a handle on the wind sheer above the met tower where the potential turbine will be.
The feasibility study consists of a site review, discerning if there are any fatal flaws with the site chosen.  That includes a desk review for rare and endangered species inhabiting the area, soil analysis to evaluate the ability of the chosen site to accommodate a turbine or turbines, an investigation of

  • Finance of wind turbines. How, Who, How much do we need?

 Municipal Bonds may be considered for financing a town-owned turbine. 
A turn-key arrangement with a developer who would lease the land and develop the project for the town.  Under this arrangement, the developer would make an agreement with the town to lease the land for a specified time, arrange for power to be sold to the town if the town was so inclined to buy the power, and arrange a plan to turn the project over to the town after a certain period of time. 
The cost of the turbines, their installations and continued maintenance depend on a variety of factors.  Turbines costs have recently increased due to steel costs increasing.  There are other factors that play a role in the costs of the installed system.
The town needs to decide how it would like to finance the project.  Municipal bonds may be a preferred way to go, a private developer as in the turn-key model may be an option and having a regional, local community ownership option may also be a model worth pursuing.

  • How many manufacturers of commercial size wind turbines are there and how do we obtain useful data?

 There are three major utility-scale turbine manufactures in the market today.  There will be more as the market continues to grow.  Below there are links to the companies' websites.  If you have specific questions, it is good to contact someone either at UMASS, the Cape Light Compact or another organizations that has first hand knowledge of the turbine technology that can help you understand what each company offers.

Interactive Wind Resource Maps: http://truewind.teamcamelot.com/ne/
Wind Data Collected from Other Towns: http://www.ceere.org/rerl/publications/resource_data/index.html
Cape Light Compact's DG Resource Assessment provides a base line of the bylaws in each town.
Turbine Manufactures
http://www.gewindenergy.com/  GE Wind has an array of turbines that can be seen on this site, from 1.5 Megawatts to 3.6.
http://www.vestas.com/  Vestas and NEG Micon have merged and offer a variety of utility-scale wind turbines-800 kW to 3 MW.
http://www.bonus.dk/uk/produkter/index.html-  Siemens recently purchased Bonus Energy A/S which makes turbines from 600 kW to 2.3 MW.
http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/US/byP/wRP/byB/mfg/byN/byName.shtml is a site that has wind energy manufacturers that sell to the US.
http://www.eco-web.com/cgi-local/sfc?a=/index/index.html&b=/register/03945.html
Gamesa Wind Turbine manufactures from Spain, but manufacturing in Pennsylvania
http://www.suzlon.com/  -Suzlon Wind, US headquarters in Oregon. 
http://northernpower.com/tech-lab/wind-power.html- Northern Power Systems is located in Vermont. 
http://www.lorax-energy.com/- Distributor of Furlander turbines, located on Block Island.
http://www.mpshq.com/products_wind.htm- Mitsubishi Wind Turbines

Financing and other Wind-related Resources

The Community Wind Financing Handbook by the Environmental Law and Policy Center
Available at www.elpc.org/energy/windhandbook2004.pdf  
The Windustry site offers a good stepping-off place for exploring the various models of utility-scale wind development that is being done or contemplated across North America.
http://www.windustry.com/community/default.htm
Minnesota is doing some very progressive community wind projects, with progressive state legislation:
http://www.wind-works.org/FeedLaws/USA/MinnesotaC-BED.html
A Comparative Analysis of Community Wind Power Development Options in Oregon, prepared for the Energy Trust of Oregon by Mark Bolinger, Ryan Wiser, Tom Wind, Dan Juhl, and Robert Grace, published August 2004. An examination of potential community wind project ownership structures in the Northwest and the types of support needed to make them viable. Online at www.energytrust.org/RR/wind/OR_Community_Wind_Report.pdf.
Utility Integration of Wind Turbines Not a Problem-see the American Wind Energy’s site link for more info.
www.awea.org/faq/putnam.html
The American Wind Energy Association is a good site for everything wind-related, from zoning issues to frequently asked questions.  This site is a great resource.  http://www.awea.org/
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website has good, basic information and also looks at the issues of economics, environment and technologies as well as links to various other good sources of wind-related information.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/RE/wind.html
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently become a good source of funding for wind development.  http://www.eere.energy.gov/RE/wind.html