Update: I finally got an answer from Heartland about the numbers they submitted. The KWH does include the electricity generated by the turbine. Notice the cost per KWH didn’t drop significantly until September, then it dropped even more. I know they had installation problems, so possibly the turbine wasn’t fully running until then. Maybe next year will look better.
by Diane Benjamin
Last year I reported on the construction costs and the amount needed to be saved on electricity for the project to at least break even.
http://blnnews.com/2012/05/24/will-the-heartland-college-windmill-save-money/
It is very difficult to make anything but year to year comparisons since the weather changes every year. The winter of 2012 was very mild, 2013 had extended periods of cold. All information listed was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
The chart below shows a total savings of $160,130. The analysis last year showed the following:
If the turbine lasts 15 years, the savings to break-even per year needs to be $390,464
If the turbine lasts 20 years, the savings to break-even per year needs to be $435,505
The savings generated in the first year are less than half what is required to break even.
Can we get a refund due to the lies that were told to us?
Go for it! Of course, some of the green energy crowd are apoplectic over this and will just call me names. The truth hurts.