Renewable Energy

Biomass

Vermont is a national leader in biomass energy. Check out the following for more information:

Vermont Residential Fuel Wood Assessment 1997-1998 (PDF Format.
Vermont DPS' role in biomass energy development.
Wood Chip Heating in Vermont Schools
The McNeil Generating Station in Burlington is one of the nation's largest wood-powered electric generation facilities.
Farm Methane Project

Solar

The Million Solar Roofs initiative is a nation-wide initiative to install solar systems on the roofs of one million homes and businesses across the United States by 2010.
The Vermont Solar Energy Guide provides Vermonters and others with information about how buildings can capture the sun's energy.
The guide, Photovoltaics for Line Extensions, includes resources for people who need electric power at a remote location where a utility line extension may be cost prohibitive, and PV may be an alternative.

Wind

The Vermont Small-Scale Wind Energy Demonstration Program has assisted schools, municipal and state facilities, and agricultural sites install wind systems. This web site provides wind turbine performance data, links to educational resources, and information on other wind energy programs.
Commission on Wind Energy Regulatory Policy Final Report & Attachments.
Vermont Wind Energy Resource Assessment is a joint DPS, Green Mountain Power, NRG Systems and VT Environmental Research Associates, Inc. (VERA) project that gathered wind resource data to further the development of wind energy projects in the state.
Wind Power Potential on VT Public Lands (PDF format), a study by VERA sponsored by DPS.
Utility-Scale Wind Energy Planning Resources, the product of the Wind Siting Consensus Building Project sponsored by DPS to build consensus on the appropriate siting of utility-scale wind energy in Vermont.
Small Wind Electric Systems (PDF format) a consumer guide by the US Department of Energy on small, residential-scale wind systems.
Residential Wind Siting Handbook is a guide to siting residential wind turbines published by the VT Public Service Board.
Small Wind: Is it Right for You is a fact sheet, which provides information about the planning and permitting process for small-scale wind turbines.
Wind Energy and Vermont's Scenic Landscape landscape architect Jean Vissering's discussion paper based on the Wind Siting Consensus Building Project.

Net Metering

Net metering makes it easier and more cost-effective for farmers and other Vermonters to generate some of their own electricity.

Renewable Energy Business Directory

Vermont has abundant renewable energy resources that can help meet our electrical and heating needs. The following directories were designed to help Vermonters find local renewable energy professionals best equipped to provide appropriate renewable energy solutions.

Solar Energy (including electrical generation and solar water heating)
Wind Power
Passive Solar Design & Construction
Biomass
Geothermal
Micro-hydroelectric

Clean Energy Development Fund

The goal of the CEDF is to increase the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources – primarily with respect to renewable energy resources, and the use of combined heat and power technologies - in Vermont. The CEDF provides incentives, grants, and loans for the installation of renewable energy systems. Additional information is available here.

Renewable Energy Publications

These Renewable Energy Publications are available free of charge. Send requests for publications to publicservice@vermont.gov