Cost Savings of Small Wind and Solar Power on Farms
April 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Electricity, Preserving Farms and Open Space, Wind Energy on Farms
APRIL 21st 7-8:30pm C Burr Artz Public Library Community Room
Frederick County lays the groundwork for achieving energy independence and a “green economy” with the kick off of a presentation and discussion on the cost-savings and value of small scale wind and solar power. On Tuesday, April 21st, a coalition of representatives from nonprofits, green business entrepreneurs and development specialists will host a 2nd presentation and discussion aimed at educating interested Frederick County residents, farmers and businesses owners about harnessing the power of renewable energy for everyday uses. But we can no longer delay putting a framework for a clean energy economy in place.
Solar and Wind 101 comes as the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are scheduled (4/28/09) to vote on a landmark text amendment that puts in place the beginnings of a framework for a clean energy economy in Frederick County. The text amendment, if passed, would permit electrical net-metering on small-scale wind turbines and pole-mounted solar, and pave the way for residents and businesses alike to qualify for financial assistance through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) – to make -wind turbines and solar panels more affordable. “Smart Grid technology investments will help both energy conservation and provide green collar jobs. Clean, renewable energy produced and used locally enhances America’s energy security,” said Richard Lank, Vice President of Business Development for Renewable Energy Stewardship, Inc.
Presentations on the 21st will include key elements of the zoning text amendment to the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
OURCommonWEalth is pleased to host the following experts:
• Jim Pierobon of Standard Solar, Inc, a company that has designed and installed more than 100 residential solar electric systems throughout the mid-Atlantic region. They recently completed the installation of 205 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaic panels covering nearly 1/3 acre of roof space of the U.S. Department of Energy headquarters.
• Carlos Fernandez, Potomac Wind Energy, Inc, the #1 supplier of the Skystream small-wind systems. The company installed a wind turbine at the U.S. Botanical Gardens and was featured in the “Windmill on the Potomac” segment for Clean Skies TV.
• Richard Lank, Renewable Energy Stewardship, Inc, a company that is developing model distributed power production facilities using wind and solar devices for net metering and homeland security purposes.
“Developing and sustaining clean, safe, secure and affordable power sources is essential for supporting our quality of life,” said Rebecca Rush, Outreach Coordinator for OURCommonWEalth programs.
The OURCommonWEalth meeting will be held on April 21st at the C. Burr Artz Library, at 110 East Patrick St, Frederick City from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The event is free and is held in the (handicap accessible) Community Room. There is ample public parking in the adjacent parking garage.
Event sponsors: Friends of Frederick County, Renewable Energy Stewardship Company (RESCO), Standard Solar, Potomac Wind, East Frederick Rising CDC, Maryland Goes Green
