This is the number one factor to consider when deciding whether to install a wind generator. The better the wind at your location, the more cost effective your installation will be. From examination of wind maps, you will observe that many areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland have been found to be class 2 or better locations. Normally, class 2 winds are considered to be sufficient for small wind turbine installation (individual property owners, small farms and businesses). The economic success of a small wind system can be measured in simple terms, by looking at the revenue to be generated (kw-h times the rate received per kw-hr) over the predicted lifetime of the unit. Compare this revenue generated with the total equipment, installation, and operating costs of the unit, less any tax benefits received. Of course before a decision is made, you will want to perform a thorough evaluation, considering the specifics of your situation.

It is conceivable that as electricity rates for conventional generation continue to rise, and wind turbine equipment prices continue to drop, areas with even lower than class 2 wind resource potential will become economically viable. We at AIREVOLUTION continue to look for ways to reduce renewable energy generation equipment and installation costs, to allow this trend to continue.

What Tower Height Do I Need?

According to recommendations from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), turbines must be mounted at least 30 feet above any physical wind barriers (i,e., trees, buildings, or bluffs) within 300 feet to avoid air turbulence and ensure optimal equipment performance. Some manufacturers recommend slightly less restrictive limits than these, but there is general industry consensus that the wind generator needs to be well above potential barriers at the desired site location. Generally, the higher the tower, the better the wind conditions, and therefore the better the equipment performance. Since the power available in the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, even a small boost in height greatly enhances a turbine's output.

There are however considerations that might make it not practical to install small wind generators on extremely tall towers. One would be a zoning ordinance restriction that limits you to a certain tower height. This could be in the form of a direct height limitation, or in the form of a "fall line" restriction where the distance from the base of the tower to the property boundary can be no less than the height of the tower plus one turbine blade length. Zoning restrictions vary from one community to another and some areas have no restrictions.
The best course of action is to check with your local government to determine the requirements for your site. Many local zoning ordinances are available on-line.

Beyond the height limitations mentioned above, the remaining considerations concerning tower height are economic in nature. Increased tower height will normally always result in increased output. In some instances this increased output can be very dramatic. However, increased tower height almost certainly has an associated economic cost due to increased material, labor, etc. The increased cost of the taller tower needs to be evaluated against the potential increase in output of the wind generator at the increased tower height. Airevolution can assist in this evaluation if desired.

Do Wind Generators Kill Birds?

Some of the early large wind farms were noted for significant quantities of birds killed. Due to this problem, extensive studies of the effects of wind generators on birds and bats have been performed, resulting in great strides in reducing these bird kills. This is true to the point that the National Audubon Society strongly supports wind power (see link). Their support is due to the overwhelming positive environmental attributes of wind power, compared to those of alternative power sources such as fossil fuels. Fossil fuels indeed kill many more birds, although perhaps in a more subtle manner. One significant conclusion of the above mentioned studies is that wind generators are similar to other man-made structures as far as their likelihood to cause bird kills. Vehicles, buildings, power lines, radio and TV towers affect far more birds than wind turbines.  Birds are much more likely to be killed by other human-related causes (and house cats) than by wind turbines.

None the less, the wind industry remains sensitive to this issue and continues to make progress in reducing the likelihood of bird kills by wind turbines. AIREVOLUTION will work with you to address any particular concerns you may have with your installation.

Do Wind Turbines Make Noise?

As with other types of aero-mechanical equipment, wind turbines do produce some noise, although the level can be a very subjective judgment. Some turbines are more susceptible than others. There are different sources for this noise. Some of the noise is produced by the aerodynamic effects of the wind as it passes over the blades (particularly as it leaves the trailing edge). Manufacturers continue to make progress in addressing this and other sources of noise. One way to determine the relative importance of this issue to you as a potential owner is to judge for yourself by visiting some operating turbines. We can provide you with a list of accessible sites in your area. Many studies have been performed on turbine noise and the results of these are available for review.

What Is Net Metering?

Simply put, this is the means of measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by your utility and the electricity generated by a customer-generator (you) when your alternate energy generating system is intended primarily to offset part or all of the your requirement for electricity. The utility shall credit the customer-generator (you) at the full retail rate for each kilowatt-hour you produce, up to your total amount of electricity used during the billing period.

Will the Installation of Wind Turbines Reduce our Dependence on Foreign Oil, Reduce Harmful Emissions to the Atmosphere, Avoid Production of Deadly Waste Byproducts, and Potentially Reduce your Utility Bill?

Yes, these are all true. We at AIREVOLUTION believe all of these to be important reasons why you should consider the installation of a wind energy system. This is a very direct means of voicing your support for renewable energy sources of power. Allow us to demonstrate to you how this choice can be economically competitive with conventional electrical power sources.

What grants, rebates, and other incentives are available?

A comprehensive list of incentives by state is given by the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.
 

www.awea.org/smallwind/faq.html