Wind Turbine Installation & Replacement

Factors to consider before installing a wind turbine

• Amount of wind: The amount of power your wind turbine can generate is highly dependent on the amount of wind it gets. Make sure to assess if you have enough wind to justify the expense and a spot that will be free of obstructions, like trees and buildings. For instance if you live in a city, there are likely too many obstructions to make a wind turbine practical.
• Supplemental electricity: Wind turbines only produce electricity while the wind is blowing. Even the windiest places sometimes will have quiet days. With that said, you will need a supplemental source of electricity. One option is to keep your system on the grid. This will let you save money on your energy bills, but still rely on electricity from your power company when the wind dies. Alternatively, you could pair your wind turbine with solar power so you’ll still be able to use green power even when there is no wind.
• Zoning requirements: Even “small” wind turbines, like the type you can put on your roof, are tall structures. Therefore, there are many zoning requirements that apply to them and can vary from town and state. Make sure you can comply with your town and state’s requirements.
• Cost & economics: Wind turbines are not inexpensive investments. Even small turbines will cost thousands of dollars and require occasional maintenance. They will however, generally pay for themselves over time with a variety of tax incentives and special financing options available. Make sure you are aware of your options and can fit a wind turbine in your budget.