The calculations involved in the financial planning for the Archbold Area School District wind turbine project “are pretty bloody complicated.”

That’s what Aaron Godwin, the school district wind turbine consultant, told members of the school board during a special Tuesday, Jan. 17 meeting.

John Downey, board member, asked several questions about costs and savings, but Godwin said he could not accurately predict exact figures.

All calculations were based on conservative estimates, Godwin said.

Board members also learned:

•If they abandon the project now, it will cost the district about $1 million.

•Once installed and operating, projections are the turbine will pay for itself in six to 10.6 years depending on the wind.

•The turbine is expected to be installed and operating by June. The project is being delayed by problems with blade production.

•The grant funding deadline requires the turbine be operational by April 30. The project contractor has applied for an extension of that deadline.

•With favorable wind conditions, the turbine can potentially produce 62% of the electrical energy used by the elementary and high school buildings.

•The cost of the wind turbine itself is about $1.86 million.

Godwin gave the total project cost as about $2.1 million; most of the cost is being paid through several different federal and state grant programs.

•The Archbold wind turbine will have a taller tower and larger rotor blades than other turbines, because it is designed specifically for local wind conditions.