Aerovironment is a green technology company which produces turbines, based out of Monrovia, California. The company requires buyers to purchase at least six turbines at a time, which produce a maximum of 2,000 kWh (Kilowatt hours). They have been placed on Logan Airport and the Holyoke Center in Cambridge. We are recommending not purchasing micro wind turbines from Aerovironment at this time.
| 2007 | 2008 | |
| Monthly Average kW Used (approx.) | 168,000 | 157,000 |
| Monthly Average kWh Cost (approx.) | $27,000 | $28,500 |
| Annual Average Unit Price kWh | $0.17 | $0.18 |
Fiscal Analysis:
- Each one Kilowatt system averages $15,000 for all costs through installation (assessment, turbine cost, labor, permits, and instillation.
- Total cost of project (omittingmaintenancecosts) = $90,000 The maximum electricity each turbine would produce is 8760kilowatthours (kWh) per year. At its very best, the six turbines would save the university $1,576.80 annually. The most conservative analysis that is realistic is that the turbines would only produce 10% of its potential, meaning it would save the university only $157.68 annually. For all six turbines, the university would save up to $9460.80annuallywhich gives a 9.5 year payback period. For the more conservative analysis, all six would produce only $946.08 worth ofelectricityannually. This is a 95 year payback period.
- Funding Options:Massachusetts Technological Collaboration Grant for up to $50,000 for small turbine projects:
http://www.masstech.org/renewableenergy/small_renewables.htm
| Pros | Cons |
| Would be roughly same wattage as solar panel system on the Suffolk Law school. This would lend itself to very educational comparisons. | Incredibly expensive. Would almost assuredly never make money back. |
| Visually appealing. May be easier to convince Beacon Hill residents to support the project. | Do not have wonderful reviews. Those placed on the airport have already been sent back for repairs. |
| Important for the eco-friendly community as a whole. Would gather useful information that would assist with turbine purchasing and data gathering | Still would not produce very much electricity. Only small percentage of overall consumption |
| Would show Suffolk’s support of green energy. | Smaller turbines produce much less energy than larger ones because of the exponential power from the size of |
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