CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced over $100,000 in grants to support small wind energy projects. Not only will these projects reduce the energy costs for rural home owners and businesses, they will also allow the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to evaluate the effectiveness of these turbines as a viable source of renewable energy for rural locations in Illinois.
“Small wind energy systems are not only a good source for clean, renewable energy, but they also help scale down our nation’s dependency on imported energy and reduce greenhouse gases. Strategic investments in small wind systems will help Illinois meet the energy needs of our residents and our economy. Investments in clean energy sources bring investments in clean energy jobs. In Illinois, we are expanding our economy by becoming a leader in clean energy technology,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
Small wind energy systems are wind turbines with a nameplate capacity of 100 kilowatts (kW) or less. These wind powered electric generators are appropriately sized for homes, farms, and small businesses and are typically used by individuals to lower electric bills and to avoid the unpredictable prices of traditional energy sources. DCEO will evaluate these grant projects and determine what measures are necessary and appropriately structure larger, future incentive offerings.
One grantee, Victor Zaderej of Oregon, Illinois, recently built a Zero Energy Home that serves as a model for future, super-efficient construction. Zero Energy Homes are designed to produce as much energy as they consume and Zaderej’s home optimizes energy use by utilizing a climate-specific design with a passive heating and cooling system. The high elevation and available wind resource on Zaderej’s turbine site maximizes the energy output of the system. In addition, by incorporating a small wind energy system into his design, Zaderej continues to promote sustainability through energy efficient design and the use of renewable energy.
Dale E. Balder, another grantee, will use his small wind turbine to not only bring energy to his home, but also to promote his small business. Heavenly Winds, LLC, located in northwestern Illinois, is a renewable energy dealership specializing in solar photovoltaic installations and small wind systems. Balder plans to use his installation as a positive example to potential consumers of the benefits of wind energy. The location of this small wind turbine in close proximity to a utility-scale wind farm will also provide a comparative example of the many ways renewable energy can be utilized.
"It is important that the State of Illinois is helping those who are making a difference for our environment," said State Representative Robert Flider (D-Mt. Zion).
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