Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems (NRES) is different from other suppliers of wind energy devices. First, NRES is a wind energy producer at a number of sites using a variety of turbine sizes and NRES looks to primarily work with systems designed to increase energy self-reliance by consuming that energy which is produced on site. This type of power production charges batteries and provides back-up in outages. The equipment is sized from 4.2KW and below and priced at about $2,000 per kilowatt. With Nebraska utilities so hostile to fair net metering and small, grid-tied systems doing so little for self-reliance, we generally leave that work for others to do.

NRES has also developed a partnership with WECC for the provision of larger systems in the range of 50KW to 300KW. Systems this size are grid tied systems and they are sized to enable large consumers of electricity to offset all or part of their consumption. These systems are generally too large for battery storage so grid tie for these larger systems is required. NRES has partnered with an experienced technology provider in this area with a wealth of resources, equipment and engineering to bring these projects about. If you are paying $0.06/KwH or more, these larger units should be considered.

Firstly, the NRES process model begins at the define/assessment phase. In this first part of the process, the renewable energy goals and motives are defined early on so the ultimate system is a reflection of these goals. The assessment portion of the program looks at current power usages, opportunities for efficiency improvements and physical sighting of the equipment chosen to generate electricity. Experience with local zoning laws will also be used to help determine the best solution for the application. Zoning is often the most significant limiting factor for these applications.

Following the initial phase of assessment, a proposal is generated based on the survey findings and stated renewable energy goals. This proposal will include several options that are best suited for the application. Once agreed upon, system components are obtained and assembled and any zoning issues are processed. A negotiated deposit is generally required at this point.

Once all components are obtained according to the proposal selection, the system is installed as designed. Installation will occur in one to several visits based on system complexity. Once commissioned, the unit is turned over to the owner and maintenance training is completed. Service programs will be available through NRES if desired and will be designed to support efficient operation of the unit. NRES specializes in stand alone and off-grid systems on the small scale and has partnered with WECC for the establishment of the larger, utility scale systems needed on large farms and businesses.

Because of the irregularity of wind energy, small scale systems use a DC charging system to store power in battery banks and absorb these energy spikes for later use when the wind is not blowing. This energy is then converted to AC as needed or used as DC.

Larger systems generally do not store power in this fashion because of the costs involved, though a battery bank can be maintained for a portion of that power if desired. Larger systems use the grid as a battery bank and provide excess power to the grid when it is not being used on-site. Larger systems are not net metered, they sell electricity to the electric company through a power purchase agreement with the power company. Electric utilities are required to buy this power back thanks to federal PURPA law.

The small, DC charging wind systems we utilize are designed to replace retail power consumption. This provides greatest value and return. These systems also provide a low cost, renewable back up for power outages. DC charging towers generally do not return this excess to the grid because of the need for inversion to AC. Excess power must also be 'dumped' when everything is full and is typically sent to a heating use. The fact that there is any significant excess power indicates the wind system was not designed to fully utilize and capture the available energy.

The founder of NRES is one of very few people in Nebraska that are generating DC power and using renewable energy directly to support business locations. This has been a very rewarding, but difficult road. The lessons learned and the experience born from these self designed and installed systems will be used to great advantage for NRES clients.

Our office location is in Oakland, Nebraska and our energy demonstration farm is located in Lyons. Consider NRES if you are ready to consider a wind system in your energy portfolio.

Please contact NRES for more information.

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