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Renewable Energy Island
Energy Efficiency
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Articles and Resources

 
5 solar hot water panels make almost all the hot water for the Menemsha Bath House.
300 watts supply stand-alone power for a radio and cash register at the West Tisbury dump.
Island Energy Efforts

In addition to solar installations provided with funding from the Vineyard Energy Project, all towns have a 2 kw solar electric installation on either their Town's school or another municipal building.

Individual Town Efforts include:
Chilmark
Heated pools are permitted if the heat is supplied by a solar thermal, a geothermal or an alternative, non-polluting system that is in accordance with Section 4.2A.3.d. (d. The location will not interfere with the enjoyment of the view of the natural surroundings from a way used by the public, public land, or abutting lot). A special permit shall be required for the installation of a pool heating system.

Edgartown
Edgartown has been exploring several alternate approaches to generating electricity in Edgartown from renewable sources. As a preparatory step, the town initiated a number of energy efficiency projects across all town facilities.
Tidal Project
In early 2008, the Town secured a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a first step toward placing Tidal In Stream Energy Conversion devices (TISECs or tide engines) in the Muskeget Channel between Edgartown and Nantucket, a site that was identified as "promising" in several assessments of renewable energy opportunities in the U.S. The town is now conducting the detailed current studies and working with State and Federal agencies to identify the environmental impact assessment studies that would be required in order to determine the feasibility of permitting, installing and licensing at least 5 megawatts of generation in the area between the islands . In early 2009, the Town anticipates having sufficient information to determine whether pursuing such a project with this nascent technology would be in the best interests of Edgartown residents.
Wind Projects 
In addition the the TISEC project, the town is also exploring  the desirability of a small wind turbine at the town's waste water treatment facility and the installation of additional solar arrays at the town's Highway Department facility.  On a larger scale, Edgartown and Nantucket have agreed to jointly explore the desirability of installing offshore wind turbines in the area south-east of the two islands.  All of these projects are still in an early phase of development. 

Tisbury
The Tisbury Energy Committee strives to (a) investigate and promote energy-conserving strategies, especially those that cut energy waste, and (b) investigate and promote cost-effective renewable energy systems.
Energy Target: The Committee and Selectmen have set a goal of reducing the Town’s energy consumption 10% by 2009 (from 2007 levels).
Energy Consumption – The Committee reviewed bills and determined that Tisbury municipal buildings consume roughly $400,000 worth of electricity and fuel each year. Almost all is fossil-derived, and causes serious environmental problems (including climate change).
In 2005, with help from the Cape Light Compact, electricity assessments were performed on nine major Town buildings. Inefficient lights were identified and replaced and $5,000 - $10,000 annual savings have resulted.
In March 2007, RISE Engineering performed an energy assessment of the Tisbury School’s heating system. It was determined that approximately $20,000/year savings can be realized if repairs are made and maintenance is improved. (It is hoped that these will be done in 2008.)
Wind Energy -- The Committee has been working with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to investigate installing one or more wind turbines in the Upper State Road area to supply electricity to the septic treatment plant, water supply system, and other municipal facilities. A meteorological tower was installed in June 2007 at the old septic lagoon site. Wind data is being collected, and after a year, it will be determined whether the average speed is enough to warrant installation of turbines.
Vehicles – The DPW switched to using biodiesel fuel in its vehicles in 2006. The Town also purchased a hybrid vehicle for Town official use on off-island trips.
Solar– A batch-type solar water heater was installed at Owen Park’s public showers in 2006, and has cut the park’s summer electricity usage by 35%.

West Tisbury
The Energy Committee seeks to enhance the ability of the Town and its residents to shape their own energy future through conservation and alternative energy technologies. The intent is not only to minimize costs, but to reduce dependency on environmentally degrading fuels.
Energy Analysis and Efficiency
In concert with the Cape Light Compact, the Committee has performed engineering analyses for five Town buildings. Many of the electrical recommendations for remediation were performed at no expense to the town. Enough time has accumulated to gain some information about the impacts. Decreases in electricity use were obtained ranging from 3% to 15% as a result of this work.
A recommendation for the installation of Setback/Programmable Thermostats installation was completed in early 2007 following a town vote. At present results for only one building is available but show a promising reduction of 10.4% in oil use for one year.
Wind Turbine Study
The feasibility of installing a wind turbine to supply a substantial portion of our School's electricity (annual electricity bill ~ $70,000) is the focus of a major municipal project with an emphasis on an alternate renewable energy source.
In January 2007, a wind survey at the School by the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory at U Mass Amherst identified favorable sites. The FAA has stated that a tower of 201 ft or less would be possible based on the distance to the Airport. We are now focused on applying for a feasibility study (site wind resources, electricity load usage, zoning, environmental, etc.) with funds available from the Massachusetts Technological Collaborative (MTC). An RFP is being prepared to find a wind consultant to do this work, in collaboration with the Up Island Regional School District. Design and construction grants are available from MTC if the feasibility study is favorable. Preliminary benefit estimates suggest annual savings of $40-60,000 with a turbine cost of ~$750,000 and a time for cost recovery of 5-9 years.

Ice Arena
The island's Ice Arena is exploring the feasibility of installing a 50 kw turbine on their property on the Vineyard Haven-Edgartown Road.

The Island Housing Trust and Island Affordable Housing Fund are committed to building housing that is located within well-planned neighborhoods and uses high performance building methods to ensure long-term affordability. The IHT has developed Green Building Practices and Green Building Specifications to guide its developments. The IAHF has created a Go Green Fund campaign that raises funding and offers grant incentives for houses located on IHT properties that achieve high performance and energy efficient standards. Four of the ten houses at Jenney Way in Edgartown, designed and built by South Mountain Company, are LEED- certified.