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Deciding if Small Wind is Right for Your Renewable Energy Needs
Areas of Southeastern Massachusetts have some of the most robust wind in New England. Many people wonder if they can install a wind turbine at their home or business, but don’t know where to begin.
There are some basic things to understand about small wind systems before moving forward to a site evaluation. Small wind machines need to be sited appropriately in order to produce electricity. Having a good, windy location is paramount. The bottom sweep of the turbine blades must be at least 30 feet above the highest obstruction within 500 feet of the tower. The diagram below indicates that the higher up the turbine is situated, the greater the output of the wind turbine. Self-Reliance does not recommend installing wind systems on towers that are too short. We also do not recommend that roof mounted wind turbines be considered as an option for generating electricity. It is important to know what the local zoning regulations are for small wind, as they typically dictate how tall a tower may be in that town. Often the town’s height limit does not match what the installer indicates is the best height for the turbine. This is an issue that can sometimes be resolved through additional permitting processes.
Wind machines have moving parts and require maintenance on a biannual or annual basis. Hence, to keep a well-sited wind turbine operating, you need to be committed to maintaining it.
Self-Reliance offers site evaluation services to help determine if wind power can be economically generated and if the site can accommodate a turbine. A site evaluation costs between $250 and $500, depending on a number of factors. Wind site assessments are designed to provide customers with site-specific information about how wind systems can help meet their energy needs. During the site assessment a wind energy consultant will visit your site. The consultant will evaluate your site, answer your questions, and summarize their findings in a written report that will include:
 A review of your goals for having a wind system- A basic analysis of your energy needs
- An evaluation of the wind resource at your site
- Recommendations for a wind system size & siting to meet your energy goals
- Estimate of a wind systems production
- A rough cost estimate for the system
- An overview of the incentives for which the system is eligible
- Preliminary economic analysis of the system
- The next steps you need to take to make your system a reality
A site assessment is not a bid nor does it provide a system design.
Consideration of your power needs is critical when selecting a wind turbine. Implementing energy efficiency measures is the best place to start reducing your loads. Selecting an appropriately sized machine is also essential. There are small turbines, which are suitable for household installations and larger turbines that meet the needs of commercial loads in the 100 to 250 kilowatt range.
Part of the evaluation services that we provide is help selecting a turbine that meets your energy needs and best fits your budget and site. We have designed a pre-site assessment form to help identify your needs for wind power and begin the assessment process, should you decide to move forward and explore the possibilities at you site.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 508.563.6633 * www.reliance.org 23 A Edgerton Drive, North Falmouth, MA 02556
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