We don't know specifics yet, but the KEO will likely want to see an independent estimate of wind speed and expected energy production at your site.  A turbine provider will do some of this work; the WAC will independently review your site and estimate energy production.

The grant ceiling will cover up to industrial-sized turbines that are probably too big for any school to consider.  For most schools a 100-kW turbine will provide more energy than the school needs at times of year with low energy demand (Spring and Fall.)  The WAC will help with any turbine that has the ability to download data to the school for use in education.

KEO expectations aside, we have five qualities we are looking for in applicant schools.  Experience suggests the best results will come where all of these qualities are met:

1. Good wind: class 3 wind or better (at 50m), if possible.  See Kansas Wind Maps on the Kansas Energy Office website.
2. An acceptable physical site: high and open, free of obstacles taller than one third to one half of the proposed turbine hub height within an area 5-10 turbine heights in radius, but less than 1000 ft from a building using electricity all year long.
3. Community awareness and "pull": a local champion or two working hard on the ground, support from the local utility, school board, businesses, banks
4. Administrative support at the school: from principal and site council
5. Science teacher willing and able to incorporate the turbine into school curriculum, with our assistance

For new (not refurbished) turbines rated at 40kW or larger, a good estimate of total project cost is about $4000 times rated turbine power in kW.  Thus, a 50-kW turbine, installed, will run about $200,000.  Smaller turbines cost more per kW, but some such as Southwest Windpower offer significant discounts for schools.  A smaller turbine will not provide a significant savings in electricity, but may be perfect for a predominantly educational purpose.  Contact turbine manufacturers first for their advice on whether your site will work and for their cost estimates.

There are two guiding criteria: 1) what can your district afford?; and 2) how much energy does the school building use?  Given the price estimates above, first contact turbine manufacturers.  The WAC can help narrow your choices but we are NOT a manufacturer and cannot claim to know all possible manufacturers.  AWEA's Small Wind Site has an incomplete list that is a good starting place.

The Kansas Energy Office hopes to announce proposal requirements and deadlines at the Kansas Wind and Renewable Energy Conference in October. Contact the KEO or the WAC for updates.

The KEO will probably release its own guidelines.  For us to help you, here are some questions the WAC will be asking of applicants:

1. Name/Location of School/USD#/contact information/website
2. Person submitting the proposal with contact information
3. Turbine size(s) and make(s) under consideration
4. Description of the school property:
• available site at least 200 ft from buildings and trees but within 1000 ft of a building using electricity year-round
• high and open area with plenty of wind
• 70' x 70' square footprint for guyed tower, slightly smaller for monopole tower
• consideration for neighbors and school children: what do you want to see?
• any zoning or permitting requirements to which the school may be subject
5. If a larger turbine: hIstorical electricity demand for the building in question, and wiring information (voltage, phasing)
6. Who will support the project? 
• principal, superintendent and school board support
• local community support: electricians, equipment suppliers, bank(s)
• utility support: have you discussed your project with your local utility?  What requirements might they have?
7. How do you plan to incorporate the turbine into your teaching?
• Science teacher(s) who will be using the turbine
• Use of NEED or other materials