Talbot County, Maryland, has reaped economic benefits from installing a combined solar and wind turbine renewable energy system for its biosolids facility. The project, funded by a $3.8-million grant through the American Recovery and Renewal Act, features 3 NPS 100-21 wind turbines manufactured by HOMER Energy partner Northern Power Systems.
Since its completion in 2012, the renewable energy system has netted the county economic benefits exceeding $400,000 both from savings in energy costs and from selling excess electricity and renewable energy credits back to local utility entities. It also provides more than half the biosolids facility’s budget: “The … budget totals about $225,000 per year and the renewable energy revenues have consistently contributed approximately $125,000 a year, thus reducing their expenses by over 55% per year.”
Additionally, the project positions the County for eligibility for future grants through the Maryland Smart Energy Community program.