Researchers have made it possible for consumers to recoup their investments in renewable power systems by developing new technologies that are more efficient and effective than ever.

This has been visible in the form of new solar energy technologies that can be used on more surfaces and structures than ever, and which require less space to generate larger amounts of clean electricity.

However, research is also proceeding steadily with regards to wind power, which will play its own important role in helping to wean the nation from its dependency on fossil fuels in the coming years. In fact, a group of educational institutions and companies have announced plans to establish the High Plains Small Wind Turbine Test Center in Colby, Kansas with an eye toward furthering this goal.

Kansas State University and Colby Community College will be among those working to develop the facility, which will focus on residential and commercial wind turbines that generate no more than 50 kilowatts of electricity.

One expected benefit of this project is data that will help develop a national certification program leading to standardized rating labels for wind turbines - an outcome that would be comparable to the mileage ratings that currently apply to automobiles.