Four Seasons Windpower Steps On Buying Wind Energy
If you don't want to do all the research in steps 1-8, skip right to Step number 11.
- First you need to find out if there is enough wind at all available at your site location. Perform a rough wind assessment for your location by going to http://firstlook.3tiergroup.com/ and enter your site location details. Note! The average yearly wind speed for your area should be 7-10m/s or higher. You can also refer to Wind resource data published by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Contact your township planning office and find out the max. tower/hub height and max. rotor diameter for a wind turbine allowed in your area. You need to know this to establish what the maximum size turbine (by kWh output) you will be allowed to operate at your site location.
- Now you know roughly how much wind is available at your location and you also know the max. rotor diameter and hub height allowed for a wind turbine to operate at your site. With this information, you are now able to estimate the amount of electricity likely to be generated by a given wind turbine over the course of a year. How do I get this estimate?
- Use the Annual Electricity Output Calculator at http://bit.ly/XToq8 to calculate the expected yearly kWh output by entering the max. rotor diameter size given to you by your local township planning office ….make a note and…..Calculate the average yearly electricity kWh consumption of your home or business.
- Subtract your average yearly kWh consumption from the estimated kWh generated. Is the result at least 45,000 kWh? If the answer is yes, then your site has the potential to generate extra income for you by harnessing the wind.
- Next step is to contact your local utility provider and ensure that ‘a net metering’ - ‘Buy Back Scheme’ is available.
- If yes, ask for the utility rate (¢ per KwH ) paid. The higher the utility rate is (¢ per KwH), the more economical your wind turbine system becomes.
- Multiply the utility rate (¢ per KwH) paid with the yearly kWh excess we have calculated earlier. This will be your estimated extra yearly income.
- Now if you want to go ahead - Contact your township planning office and obtain a special-use permit.
- Contact your local environment department - ask for grants available and apply for any available grant, no matter how small it may be. Remember, every little bit helps.
- Now it's time to go shopping! Go to Four Seasons WIndpower Products page for professional & technical specialist advice on new Wind turbines.
- Decide on a Grid-tie wind turbine package which is tailor-made to your requirements and budget.
- If the size of your turbine does not allow for self-installation, decide on an ‘All In’ package from your dealer which would include construction work and installation or hire an independent project manager specialized in wind turbine installation and a local technical engineering or construction firm to work under his supervision.