Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 What does a wind farm developer do? 
             By:Thomas J. Mattson

            Many people ask ‘What does a wind farm developer do, and why are they needed?’ It’s rather simple. We find geographical areas where we believe a wind farm can be built, and will be acceptable to an Equity, and Production Tax Credit (PTC) investor. The developer is the one on the ground; the eyes and ears for the Equity and PTC investor. We make sure all the I’s are dotted, and the T’s are crossed. The developer must invest huge amounts of time and energy to find an appropriate wind farm location. This may seem easy enough, but not every investor is interested in every project. Some want small, some want medium, and some want huge projects, so the developer needs to create a wind farm which is correct for the market. Investors will not consider a project where the developer is not experienced. The better we are at this first stage the quicker the project can be built.

         Secondly the developer needs to learn about the state, county, and local rules and regulations which govern the wind farm development. In some cases, these local laws can be so difficult that putting time and money into an area is not a good investment for the developer or the investors. Next the developer searches for areas where it is economical to invest money for items such as microwave studies, environmental studies, electrical engineering studies, wind surveyor maps, and many other items. We also get bids for construction, and turbines, and negotiate the power purchase agreements with the utilities. All of these costs are typically covered by the developer, as normally investors do not even look at projects until the developer has done his due diligence. To make sure all of these items are completed correctly and quickly we use our network of experienced individuals and companies to quickly resolve issues which may occur, and complete all the tasks which must be done. Basically without a developer there is little chance that a project gets completed. 

 

 How long does it take to build a wind farm?

                  By: David Vander Leest

      The first step is signing an option for easement. Prelude LLC must have enough option for easements in a certain geographic area to develop a wind farm. Depending on the size of the project, this can take a week, or an eternity depending on attitude.

       Next wind studies are completed. This involves putting up an anonamiter to measure the wind. These studies are normally 1 or 2 year studies, and it can take up to 6 months to receive the results after the wind has been measured

      The third step is to permit the land with the local municipality to make sure large scale wind farms are an acceptable use for the land in which windmills are sought.  At the same time Conditional Use Permits are being applied for, a few studies which are required are also completed.  These studies include but are not limited to, bird and bat studies, microwave studies, historical society studies, endangered species studies and FAA permits.  These studies and permitting can take up to 1 year to complete.

      At this point it becomes clear where turbines can be placed on your land.

      Now that we know how many Mega Watts are to be built, we can now do engineering studies to determine which type of turbine is the most appropriate. This can take up to 3 months.

      Once this is known, discussions can begin with a power purchaser to buy the power created.  Coming to agreement with the power purchaser can take up to 6 months as contracts are extensive and very specific.

      At this point we have a developed something with enough information and data to offer to investors.  Now that the financial market has thawed some, this process normally takes 3-6 months.

      After financing is secure, construction can begin.   One entire project can be completed in  five years.

 

   How does a wind turbine work?

            By: Unknown 

       Wind is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity.

        The terms wind energy or wind power describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

        So how do wind turbines make electricity? Simply stated, a wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. This aerial view of a wind power plant shows how a group of wind turbines can make electricity for the utility grid. The electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to homes, businesses, schools, and so on.