Wind Energy Facts:
- South Dakota ranks 4th in wind Potential, but only 18th in existing wind capacity
- 1MW (megawatt) of installed wind power is enough to supply 240-300 homes
- 313.16MW = total wind energy produced from existing projects in SD
- 99MW = the power capacity of projects currently under construction in SD
- Over $550 million has already been invested in Wind Energy in SD
- More than 1,000 people are currently employed in the wind power industry in SD
*Sources: American Wind Energy Association, SD PUC and the South Dakota Wind Energy Association & www.windustry.com
Solar Energy Facts:
- Solar PV Panels work best when they're not ultra-hot, so they work great in the winter too
- Solar energy has a proven track record for over 40 years
- South Dakota has the same amount of solar potential as Florida does, and it has better geothermal resources than most other states
- Devoting just one square mile in SD to Solar Power could provide enough electricity for about 1,200 households each year
- All television and communications satellites are powered by solar panels
- Amount of solar energy in solar radiation that "goes to waste" - 99.99%... let's utilize it!