Every so often a flip of a Penn light switch requires a little wind in Somerset, PA.
With 40,000,000 kilowatt-hour of wind power used per year, the University is now the largest institutional purchaser of wind energy technology in the U.S. Penn uses ten wind turbines that are located in central Pennsylvania, about an hour east of Pittsburgh.
Approximately ten percent of Penn's electricity needs are sufficed with wind-generated electricity. The wind power program costs about $300,000 per year.
The University has been using wind power since 2001.
"It was a decision based on helping this new market to develop itself while advancing a new environmental initiative," Facilities and Real Estate Services Tony Sorrentino said.
"We are cognizant of how big we are," Sorrentino said. "We want to manage facilities in a way so we don't harm the environment."
Wind power is just as effective as traditional sources, but can be difficult to harness efficiently. Each kilowatt hour (kWh) of wind power is able to displace the need for a kWh of electricity generated through conventional means.
Some students commend Penn's efforts to use alternative power sources, but others feel that the university could do more to increase their environmentally conscious behavior.
Rachel Aronson, a College sophomore and former Environmental Club member feels more could be done on Penn's part.
"I think a higher percentage should be derived from it," she said, referring to the ten percent of electricity that Penn gets from wind power.
College freshman Gisela Garrett said she was not aware of the wind-farm consortium but thought it was a good idea.
'I think it's awesome," she said. "The more alternative energy used, the better. Especially when I can't tell the difference in quality."
Sorrentino said that Facilities and Real Estate Services is "dedicated to making Penn one of the most progressive institutions in America in how it manages its utilities, construction, as well as campus planning and design."
Penn's contract with Community Energy, Inc -- the alternative energy company that coordinates the turbine project -- will last until 2014.
