At Lincoln South Rotary, we heard from John Hay on February 21, 2025. He is with Biological Systems Engineering at UNL and focus on solar and wind energy.
John pointed out that there are many aspects of clean energy - both solar and wind. And, he could talk for hours covering those various aspects.
But, instead, he opened the floor asking what we wanted to hear about. From those in attendance:
- - controversy over proposed sites
- - small scale - what is possible for home / personal use
- - difficulty of installation
When asked if wind power pays for itself John stated that the cost to generate wind is about 4 cents per KW hour compared to the cost of a full size power plant that may generate power at about 8 cents per KW hour. He also stated that added subsidies (incentives) may cut that cost further to about 2 cents per KW.
For the power buyer, wind is currently the lowest cost. Who is the buyer? Who is benefiting? Who is paying the subsidies? We are all in all of those categories. The utility company may be the energy buyer. They then pass the savings and costs on to the consumer.
John talked just a little about storage - what it is, do you have to set it up. A storage system allows for the saving of excess energy into battery systems for later use. It is not required to set up a storage system. Stored energy can also be sold to others. Your choice may depend on the amount of energy generated, the amount needed on a regular basis, and the consistency of weather. You can get paid for excess stored energy.
He emphasized that, if considering a solar energy system, check with your Home Owners' Association to see if it is allowed or if there are restrictions to size, placement, etc.
When asked about the controversy around the development of wind or solar he said that there are many issues.
He said many oppose the change to their viewshed - what is visible from their home. There is nothing illegal about making those changes - people just don't like it. It is a real concern for many.
The issue of noise comes up - though there may not be any direct medical health problems caused by the noise - it is still an issue. Does the noise bother you? Is it annoying? If so, that may impact your health.
There is a feeling that the value of the home may decline if an energy farm is built in the area. Whether real or perceived - it is a concern for property owners. Some say there is no immediate reduction in value. Others say it may be a concern for a few years but then it diminishes over time.
John shared that some of the large scale projects seem to "crop up over night" - people wonder why they did not know there were plans in the works. Just the fact that it is a surprise causes controversy. He explained that large companies work for years to develop viable projects. They work with individual landowners and get agreements for long terms - maybe 30 years - for large amounts of money. They keep each of those arrangements confidential until there are enough to know that the project is viable. Then they share the concept with the general public. They are not really hiding - yet they are not disclosing. So, it is a surprise to many in the community.
He stated that from a landowner standpoint, the arrangements can be very lucrative. Perhaps a person owns many acres that they rent out at $300 per acre for crops. An energy company ask about a small section - and offer $1,000 for that acre. It is hard to turn down an offer that will help their return on their land increase by that much.
John shared that often development is not drive by the power companies - but by private companies that will be using the energy. They will work with the power company about developing the most cost efficient energy source.
BIO
F. John Hay is an Extension Educator in the Biosystems Engineering Department at UNL. He has been teaching about energy issues in Nebraska for 18 years. John installed his own solar array at his home in 2017 which provides 60% of his home’s electricity. John has an BS from UNL and an MS from Texas A&M University.
F. John Hay is an Extension Educator in the Biosystems Engineering Department at UNL. He has been teaching about energy issues in Nebraska for 18 years. John installed his own solar array at his home in 2017 which provides 60% of his home’s electricity. John has an BS from UNL and an MS from Texas A&M University.