7. Given the substantial cost differential between wind and solar projects, why
hasn’t the program favored the installation of wind energy projects as opposed to
solar?
“The presumption that wind is less expensive than solar in Florida, may not necessarily be
the case, due to the need for the wind turbine Manufacturers to develop a wing turbine
generator that will withstand hurricane winds and as well as the corrosive saline coastline
environment. Typically the wind resource needed to build a wind power project requires
that the wind blow constantly at a minimum of 7.5 mls with a net capacity factor of at
least 38%. In Florida, offshore coastline wind resource is approximately 6.5 mls, and is
reduced on the coast and further reduced inland. The resulting net capacity factors off of
Florida’s coast are most robust at approximatley 25% and reduced further on the coast to
below 19% and further reduced inland.
Solar installations have additional benefits for the Sunshine Energy program. First, solar
PV is essentially modular, starting at about 130 Watts per panel. These panels are
ganged to produce the size installation needed. Commercial wind turbines are basically
in the 1.5 MW size or larger at the present time.
Sunshine Energy provides 150 kW of PV installations for each 10,000 customers who
sign up. If commercial wind installations were used, we would need 100,000 customers
per wind turbine to achieve a similar ratio.
The smaller scale of the PV installations eases the process of acquiring and permitting a
site. Additionally, it enables the program to further encourage the general public’s
knowledge and exposure to renewable energy by allowing a number of sites to be.
established throughout our service territory, reaching the widest possible audience with
an education about renewables.

8. Identify the specific Florida locations where FPL has previously attempted, or is
currently attempting, to site wind energy projects (provide reference documentation
substantiating all permitting denials).
Commissioned three wind studies of the State of Florida (i.e. Florida; SW FL; NE FL).

“Lessons learned:
Overstated wind resource potential (echoes provide false wind resource
potential.
Wind resource limited to coastal area; wind resource declines significantly
inland.
Wind resource limited to winter season (October through March) whereas
FPL load peak is in the summer.”

Even FPL doesn’t really7 think wind will work in the Sunshine State.

The proposed projects of which you speak are being considered mainly to appease the irrational Greenies and because of the incredible tax advantages that will pay for virtually the entire project. Even if the wind farm on Hutchinson Island never produces any useful amount of power FPL will come out ahead because they will be using tax and rate payer money.

It takes winds of at least 30mph to produce the rated power claimed by FPL. At 15mph a velocity much more common even on our beaches, when the wind blows at all, they produce 1/8 the rated power. Below 9mph they produce absolutely NOTHING.
Florida is 48th out of the 50 States in wind resources. But of course someone with a superior mind like yours must have already known all that.

Below are some quotes of Commissioner Charles Grande from an email to
one of the Indian River Dr. Freeholders

” FPL lost just about all of their credibility during the coal plant
fiasco and nobody in authority takes them at their word on anything
anymore. Moreover, during that same coal plant fiasco, FPL themselves
repeatedly told us that wind turbines would not work anywhere in
Florida, including our barrier islands. How foolish do they seem now
saying they can actually do it? FPL should be a dream opponent.”

“The opposition is championed by some real, credible people like
Kevin Stinnette, calling for all of the data to be thoroughly
analyzed and published in a full blown Environmental Impact Statement
before any commitments are actually considered. There is also a great
case to be made that public lands purchased for active or passive
recreation should not be used for other purposes. I think Doug Coward
is doing a great job making that point.”

“FPL tried to bamboozle us with a really bad coal based proposal.

- Other than a fairly good record with nukes, FPL has very little
credibility left locally.

- FPL is on record that wind energy is not workable in Florida.

- The change from Jeb to Charlie in Tallahassee has increased
subsidies to companies investing in renewables.

- After the coal plant fiasco, including a turndown by Tallahassee on
environmental grounds, FPL needs some green projects.

- FPL approached us, unsolicited, with a proposal for “a couple” of
windmills on their property on the Island.

“If, as Adam, Julie and so many others believe, this too is a bad
proposal by FPL, I am confident it will not be approved.”

Chris Craft, formerly one of the leading proponents, has come out completely AGAINST turbines in this county because he has become infinitely more knowledgeable about the subject. He now understands that this is a FALSE GREEN project that will hurt the environment of St. Lucie County far more than it will help the area or the world. He now understands that this is an ENRON devised scam to avoid taxes and will only produce a trickle of undependable, un-needed electricity at a huge cost. He gets it; anyone who doesn’t at this point hasn’t been paying attention.