German village makes $5.7 million selling excess energy



By Molly McCluskey

A small village located in Bavaria in southern Germany is reaping the results of forward-thinking. In 1997, the town of Wildpoldsried wanted to build a thriving economy that would attract industry and create local jobs. In the past fifteen years, the village has installed nine solar panels on community buildings, built four biogas facilities and built seven wind mills. The village also operates hydroplants, ecological flood control and a natural waste water system. In this town of 2,600 people, 190 households have solar panels.

The town's clean-energy plan is so successful it created 321 percent more energy than it needed, and sold the energy back to the grid. The excess energy earned the town $5.7 million (or $4 million euro); the equivalent of $2192 per person. The town has created a mission statement, which it makes available to any utility aspiring for their success.

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