New power generation: Rural co-op makes bet on wind, solar hybrid

[jpak]

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/09/20/new-power-generation-rural-coop-makes-bet-on-wind-solar-hybrid

The electricity we use is often generated hundreds of miles away. Dan Juhl wants to keep it local.

The longtime energy developer is convinced that small, hybrid solar-and-wind projects are the future of electricity generation in rural areas. Much of the renewable electricity in the system now is generated by large wind farms or giant fields of solar panels. But Juhl envisions turning that approach on its head by creating dozens of small wind-and-solar sites that feed energy to consumers nearby.

"The time is coming. The technology is there. It's reliable, it's efficient,” said Juhl, who has for years been developing renewable energy in Minnesota. “We're not a bunch of wild-eyed hippies anymore. It's the real deal.”

His concept: Pair two wind turbines and an array of solar panels to generate electricity that flows into the local energy grid.

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[lostnfound]

1. I love this idea as resilient and decentralized

Self-sufficient neighborhoods and opportunity to innovate both technology and financial structures.