By Patrick Baron
BLOOMINGTON – With renewable energy gaining momentum across the nation, people are looking for ways to jump on the wagon.
Two of the largest industries for renewable energy are wind and solar power. Public Policy Manager for Wind on the Wires Kevin Borgia explained how wind and solar power should be utilized in different areas.
“If you’ve got a homeowner or a small business that’s interested in generating their own power and owning it, solar is a lot better. The development is easier, the construction is easier, the maintenance is easier, there’s no moving parts, and it can be done on a much smaller basis. So we think wind works better on a utility scale, solar on a residential scale,” said Borgia.
While solar power works in more residential areas, wind turbines likely wouldn’t work well next to townhomes. Brian Dunneback of EDP Renewables explained why wind turbines stay in more open areas.
“One of the reasons why central Illinois is great for wind development is the large, open areas, where the wind resource is pretty strong. When you get into more urban areas you get buildings that will block the flow of wind and definitely put a dent in how much production you’re doing,” said Dunneback.
Borgia and Dunneback were part of a renewable energy conference at Illinois State University this week, where they spoke about the future of wind and solar power.
Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].
