| |
|
Renewable Energy Forum
REA's Renewable Energy Forum gave local residents a chance to learn more about wind, geothermal and solar energy. Some came to learn about solar energy, some wanted to learn more about wind energy, and still others were interested in geothermal heat pumps. But the one thing the crowd of nearly 300 had in common was their interest in renewable energy. The auditorium of Discover Middle School in Alexandria was packed Thursday, July 17, for Runestone Electric Association's (REA) Renewable Energy Forum. The line up of speakers shared information on community based renewable projects (C-BED), geothermal heat pumps, solar thermal heating, solar photovoltaics, wind turbines and net metering. “The goal of the forum was to provide folks in our area more information on renewable energy from trusted, reliable sources,” said REA Staff Assistant Jim Hultman. “For example, Jim Haugen, our speaker on wind energy has owned five turbines over the past decade. The whole idea of residential small scale wind turbines was new when Jim erected his first turbine on his farm west of Elbow Lake . He's a pioneer in small scale wind energy production. He's been through the “school of hard knocks” and has done his homework.” When asked if his experience with wind turbines has been quite a ride, Haugen responded with a resounding “amen!” Other speakers on panel included Mark Rathbun with Great River Energy explaining what community based renewable projects (C-BED) are and how they work, REA's Dennis Linde discussing the benefits of geothermal heating, Lake Amelia resident George Horner sharing his experience with his new solar electric system installed this winter, Kurt Koegel with Solar Skies Manufacturing, a thermal water heating company located in Starbuck and Jim Hultman explained REA's process for purchasing back power from members known as net metering. Throughout the presentations, speakers addressed the question of the cost of installing various types of alternative energy systems. A question that frequently comes up with these systems is payback. A member of the panel, George Horner, explained that when he bought his first Toyota Prius, gas was $1.24 a gallon. Everyone would ask what the payback is. How long will it take to pay for itself? Horner went on to explain that now gas is nearly $4.00 a gallon, the question of payback takes on a whole new meaning. The same goes for alternative energy. As the price of energy continues to climb, the prospect of utilizing renewable energy sources on a local, home-grown level comes into the grasp of more and more individuals. “I strongly encourage you to do your homework: talk to others that have a renewable system; conduct thorough due diligence on economic benefits, legal issues, zoning regulations, operating and maintenance costs; and get references on vendors before making a purchase,” said Hultman. Hultman suggested that members get the Cooperative involved in the process early as we will work with you in the process of connecting your system into the electric grid. Before the event concluded, the audience had an opportunity to asked questions of the panel. “Had we not ended the forum when we did, we could have gone on for hours!” Hultman exclaimed. “It's a clear message that folks in our area are concerned about energy issues and that renewable energy is on the minds of our neighbors.” REA plans to offer similar forums in the future. Slides from the Renewable Energy Forum are available by clicking here. More information on renewable energy can be found in REA's Alternative Energy Guide. To request a guide, simply call REA at (320) 762-1121 or (800) 473-1722 or email rea@runestoneelectric.com . Other sources for renewable energy:
|
