by DWEA Site Admin | May 13, 2014 | News
Distributed wind industry urges Senate to pass the EXPIRE Act and restore stability to the distributed wind market place.
May 13, 2014, WASHINGTON DC –
“The U.S. Senate has a huge opportunity to support American business and innovation this week. Distributed wind power is a true American small business success story, with 90% of all distributed turbines sold in the U.S. manufactured here. Distributed wind power is generating clean, affordable and homegrown electricity across all 50 states, keeping the lights on and Americans at work. I urge the Senate to pass the EXPIRE act and restore the clean energy tax credits that provide the stability this market needs to continue to thrive,” said Jennifer Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association, in advance of the Senate debate.
The EXPIRE act includes provisions to extend expired clean energy tax credits including, including the investment tax credit (ITC) for distributed wind (ITC) through 2015, retroactive to the beginning of this year. Contact your Senators today to speak up on this important issue.
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For more information
Lauren Glickman, Communications Manager
lglickman@distributedwind.org, 504-258-7955
About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.
by DWEA Site Admin | Apr 21, 2014 | News
This is cross-posted from the Community Power Network blog. Read the whole article here.
Two weeks ago the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) hosted their 2014 Distributed Wind Annual Lobby Day and Conference. Emily Stiever from Community Power Network attended and pulled together some notes and updates on new developments in the distributed wind space.
If you’re working on distributed wind energy issues, we’d love to hear from you. One of our goals is to build out the wind resource section of our website and highlight the work of distributed wind organizations around the country.
Conference Presentations
- Heather Rhoads-Weaver from eFormative Options LLC presented on policy drivers in the US wind market.
- There are currently about 812 MW of distributed wind installed in the US, with more than 69,000 individual projects.
- The top states for installed distributed wind capacity are Colorado, Kansas, Alaska, and Massachusetts.
- The Distributed Wind Policy Tool is a great way to see how various state-level policies impact project economics. Check out the tool here.
- Check out the 2012 Market Report on Wind Technologies in Distributed applications for more details on the state of the US distributed wind market.
- Tal Mamo, President of United Wind, discussed their newly developed wind leasing program.
- The large upfront cost of projects is a significant barrier to many people, particularly small farmers that would otherwise benefit immensely from in developing small wind projects on their land (because wind is a drought resistant cash crop!).
- Even if famers have the upfront capitol, many can’t take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit because they don’t have enough of a tax liability. Farmers are eligible for large write offs and many put any unused income towards purchasing assets (like a new tractor) at the end of year to avoid paying taxes.
- By offering a wind lease, farmers and other small businesses are able to develop a wind project with zero money down AND take advantage of all tax savings. United Wind is also offering a partial prepay, or full prepay option, which further maximizes returns.
- In the last six months, United Wind has committed $25 million in the first ever tax equity fund for distributed wind. This fund will be used to finance individual projects. They currently have $5.2 million in projects under contract and interest in wind leases has taken off.
- Wind leasing is a huge development for the distributed wind market because it addresses some of the key barriers to developing projects.
- Ian Baring-Gould with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) talked about the deployment of wind-diesel systems for rural applications.
- Wind hybrid systems combine wind turbines with other energy generation or storage technologies, providing consistent power production even when the wind isn’t blowing.
- Many isolated rural villages, especially those in Alaska, get electricity from local diesel power plants that bring in fuel and supplies by airplane. Fuel delivery is extremely expensive and poses environmental risks. Energy prices in some villages are $1.00/kWh (10xs the US average). Check out this report on wind-diesel applications in Alaska.
- Communities are exploring wind-diesel hybrid systems as a means to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and costs, particularly in the face of oil price spikes.
- There are currently challenges to scaling up wind-diesel projects, since each system requires custom engineering, there is no streamlined method for financing projects, and there is limited funding for project follow-up and evaluation.
- There are limited steps that could be taken to improve adoption of systems, but there is currently no clear path forward for scaling up the wind-diesel market.
Rusty Haynes with the law firm of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman discussed rebate and RPS policy changes that impact the distributed wind market.- 29 states and the District of Columbia currently have Renewable Portfolio Standards. Of those, 17 and DC have a solar or distributed generation carve outs.
- 2013 and 2014 have been characterized by a number of attacks on RPSs, although the general trend has been towards “good” legislation that strengthens state RPSs.
- Check out the Powerpoint for an overview of state net metering and interconnection policies and see the types of regulatory changes that have happened in key states around the country.
- Hannah Masterjohn with Vote Solar presented on the concept of shared solar and how it can open up access to a large portion of Americans who can’t install solar on their own homes.
- Currently only about 20% of residents and businesses are able to install solar on their own property. Shared solar allows individuals or businesses to receive the benefits of a solar system installed elsewhere in their community.
- Shared solar opens up access to solar and makes it much easier for an individual to benefit from solar. It also creates opportunities for crowdfunding and other creative project financing approaches.
- Check out the powerpoint for a great map of states that have already adopted shared solar legislation.
- IREC’s Model Program Rules serve as a starting point for stakeholders looking to launch programs. The website includes draft legislative language and explanations of best practices.
- SharedRenewables.org is a central info source on shared renewables policies and projects across the U.S.
- Libby DeLucia with the Clinton Climate Initiative discussed how their organization provides technical support to Caribbean nations looking to develop distributed wind projects.
- Currently the region is highly reliant on expensive diesel-fired generation for power. Electricity prices are around $0.35 to $0.45/kWh.
- Utilities such as Jamaica Public Service (JPS) have begun developing distributed wind systems and have been able to profit from these types of systems.
- JPS has also begun providing some financing for projects and is considering a third-party finance model that has the potential to encourage expansion on other islands.
- There are a number of opportunities for distributed wind to expand into the Caribbean market. Check out the powerpoint for more details!
by DWEA Site Admin | Apr 3, 2014 | News
FOR MORE INFO: Lauren Glickman
Email: Lglickman@distributedwind.org
Tel: 504-258-7955
Grassley/Cantwell Amendment adds 2-year extension of ITC to Senate Tax Extenders
Washington, D.C., April 3rd – Further Congressional action was taken today to address many of the tax extenders that expired earlier this year, a 2 year extension of ITC for distributed wind was added to the Senate Finance Committee’s package of tax extenders during today’s mark-up. Senators Grassley, Cantwell, Brown, Bennet, Cardin, Carper, Menendez, Nelson, and Stabenow offered the amendment that was accepted to include the ITC (along with the PTC for utility scaled wind power) in the bill.
“I am pleased with today’s decision to include the ITC in the broader package to address expired tax extenders,” said Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA). “A renewed ITC will provide business certainty to the community and distributed wind segments of the wind industry that are generally unable to utilize the PTC and enable them to continue to drive economic development across farms, schools, business, and communities across the country often a multiplier of economic impact to the local community.”
Distributed wind projects are present in all 50 states, providing clean, homegrown, affordable power and economic development across the United States. These systems are commonly, but not always, installed on residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and community sites and can range in size from a few-hundred-watt, off-grid turbine at a remote cabin or a 5-kW turbine at a home to a multi-MW turbine at a manufacturing facility
“I applaud Members of Congress including of course the amendment sponsors, and Chairman Wyden, who continue to see the ITC for what it is, an example of an effective, job-creating tax policy,” Jennifer continued. “Allowing it to expire has put American jobs at risk. Today’s vote represents a step in the right direction and I look forward to continuing down this path.”
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook
by DWEA Site Admin | Mar 21, 2014 | News
Over 100 representatives and nearly 30 senators deliver unified message to Congress asking for immediate extension of investment tax credit
Washington, D.C., March 21st – Distributed Wind Energy Association Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins issued the following statement today as nearly 30 Senators and over 100 Representatives delivered letters requesting immediate extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for distributed American wind energy:
“I want to thank Representatives King and Loebsack and Senators Udall and Grassley for their leadership on this issue along with their colleagues in the House and Senate for fighting for American wind jobs. They understand that distributed wind power is providing Americans with clean and affordable electricity in every state while putting Americans to work. The ITC is an effective, job-creating tax policy, but allowing it to expire has put these American jobs at risk. That is why Congress must act now to extend the ITC and keep this American success story moving forward.”
What is Distributed Wind?
Distributed wind energy systems are commonly, but not always, installed on residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and community sites and can range in size from a few-hundred-watt, off-grid turbine at a remote cabin or a 5-kW turbine at a home to a multi-MW turbine at a manufacturing facility.
Distributed wind energy systems are connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter (to serve onsite load) or directly to the local distribution or micro grid (to support grid operations or offset large loads nearby). This distinction differentiates distributed wind power from wholesale power generated at utility-scale wind farms and sent via transmission lines to substations for subsequent distribution to loads.
FOR MORE INFO: Lauren Glickman
Email: Lglickman@distributedwind.org
Tel: 504-258-7955
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org
by DWEA Site Admin | Feb 27, 2014 | News
**Media Availability** Leaders in distributed wind power deliver their stories to Congress
“Wind Week” continues as Distributed wind industry heads to the hill
February 27, 2014
What: The Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) kicked off its third annual Lobby Day in Washington, DC today. After a full day of lobbying on Capitol Hill, there will be a business conference that focuses on industry trends. Small business owners from across the country joined together to deliver their stories to Congress in addition to the stories of their colleagues in utility-scale and offshore wind energy. Distributed wind is present in all 50 states, stimulating local economies and providing American jobs.
Who: Mike Bergey, President, Bergey Windpower
Brett Pingree, VP of Sales, Endurance Wind Power
Tal Mamo, President and Co-Founder, UNITED WIND
Haley Roberto, President, HTWN
Where: DWEA Business Conference-JW Marriot, Washington, D.C.
February 28, 2014
8:00AM – 3:25 PM
To RSVP for Friday’s Business Conference or for follow up contact Lauren Glickman Communications Manager, DWEA, lglickman@distributedwind.org, 504-258-7955
About the companies:
Bergey Windpower is the oldest and most experienced manufacturer of residential-sized wind turbines in the world. Thirty years ago Bergey pioneered the radically-simple “Bergey design” that has proven to provide the best reliability, performance, service life, and value of all of the hundreds of competitive products that have come and gone in that time. With only three moving parts and no scheduled maintenance necessary, the Bergey 10 kW has compiled a service record that no other wind turbine can match. We back it up with the longest warranty in the industry.
Endurance Wind Power (“Endurance”) is a manufacturer of advanced wind turbines designed specifically for distributed wind power applications. Our line of modern,induction-based wind turbines brings efficient, reliable, safe and quiet renewable energy to homeowners, businesses and institutions across Europe, North America and an expanding global market.
UNITED WIND was formed in 2013 as a combination of assets and talent from the two industry-leading small wind companies: Talco Electronics and Wind Analytics. Talco, founded in 2000, sold more than 150 turbines and was the leading distributor of small wind turbines in the United States. Wind Analytics, founded in 2007, was the only company to offer a third-party verified remote wind speed analysis tool, empowering potential small wind turbine owners with a low-cost site assessment. With the best of Talco and Wind Analytics together, United Wind is the only company that has the knowledge and capability to offer the first ever little-to-no money down leasing option to small wind customers in the United States.
HTWN has become a national leader for clean distributed energy solutions by redefining sustainability in the distributed market. HTWN has supported the successful installation of over 170 distributed wind projects. Our dealers have been trained over the last 5 years on how to properly identify customers, provide site assessments and pro-formas, sell, service and support the projects for the lifetime of the equipment. With our professional HTWN team of Engineers, Finance, Project Management, Marketing, Technical and Service Support we are able to embrace a new technology and properly educate our vast network in implementation.
About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook. Join us for Distributed Wind 2014: A Capitol Hill Event for Small and Community Wind on February 27-28 in Washington, D.C.
