Alternative Energy Forms:
Download and save the Research Notes Template to collect information to help your team decide which energy is the best solution for the town.
Research Notes
Research Notes Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Below you will find links that will help you research for your project. Do not forget to use the MCHS Library Pathfinders as well for good sources of information.
Cost of Wind turbines
http://www.windustry.org/how_much_do_wind_turbines_cost
Website also has other information on wind energy (http://www.windustry.org/faqs )
Cost of Wind energy in the US:
http://www.awea.org/Resources/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=5547
Wind Fast Facts: https://www.wind-watch.org/faq-all.php
Cost of building a wind turbine:
http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/faqs.pdf
Solar power plant costs:
http://marketrealist.com/2015/02/solar-power-plants-less-costly-build-operate-others/
All energy sources costs:
http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/capitalcost/pdf/updated_capcost.pdf
US Energy Information: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=487&t=3
How many acres do I need for solar? http://www.energymanagertoday.com/it-takes-2-8-acres-of-land-to-generate-1gwh-of-solar-energy-per-year-says-nrel-094185/
In open, flat terrain, a utility-scale wind plant will require about 50 acres per megawatt of installed capacity. However, only 5% (2.5 acres) or less of this area is actually occupied by turbines, access roads, and other equipment--95% remains free for other compatible uses such as farming or ranching. In California, Minnesota, Texas, and elsewhere, wind energy provides rural landowners and farmers with a supplementary source of income through leasing and royalty arrangements with wind power developers.
A wind plant located on a ridgeline in hilly terrain will require much less space, as little as two acres per megawatt.
NOTE: “Overnight Cost” is the cost to build the power plant ‘overnight’. This does not take into account any additional costs (financing, etc) but you may use Overnight costs for this project.