Wind Energy Assessment Tool
This tool will provide three outputs based on three different inputs (you must enter
a value for at least one of these, but you can enter several at the same time):
- The energy produced from a particular size turbine
- The wind turbine size (kW) needed to produce a desired amount of energy
- The energy production and turbine size (kW) based on the amount of money you are
willing to invest.
There are many factors that affect energy production from wind turbines that this
tool can not take into account. The tool is intended to provide a ballpark estimate
of the energy production, turbine cost and possible financial incentives. If you
decide to pursue consideration of a wind turbine further, it is highly recommended
that you contact a professional wind site assessor to visit your site and do a further
evaluation which may include the installation of a wind monitoring tower.
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Will the wind turbined be owned by a business or residence?
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Pick desired turbine size
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kW
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How much money are you willing to invest? ($21,000 minimum)
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$
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How much energy would you like to produce annually?
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kWh
Please enter a value between 1 and 10,000,000
Please enter a value between 1 and 10,000,000
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What is your electric rate?
(Small wind turbines may qualify for net metering rates.)
The price paid for electricity generated will depend on the utility tariff structure,
a negotiated price or net metering laws. If you have a small wind turbine, you may
qualify for net metering, otherwise you will need a power purchase agreement (contract)
with the utility.
Net Metering
Net Metering or Net Energy Billing allows for the flow of electricity both to and
from the utility electrical grid to a customer who generates electricity using a
renewable energy source, such as wind or solar PV. When energy is generated in excess
of the consumer’s needs electricity flows to the utility grid, and when the consumer
is using more energy than is generated electricity flows to the customer. The grid
is essentially used as an overflow or battery because the customer is credited at
retail rate for the excess energy produced on a monthly or yearly basis. Compensation
rates for excess energy from the utility will depend on the tariff or rate. A utility
tariff is a set of terms and conditions for interconnection and parallel generation
of electrical energy. Net-metering is available in 44 states but may only apply
to investor owned utilities that are regulated by the state’s Public Service Commission
in some cases. Net metering is usually limited to a maximum name plate generating
capacity which can vary from 10 kW to 2000 kW depending on the state.
Power Purchase Agreement / Contract
If your utility doesn’t have net metering rules or your turbine is larger than would
qualify for net metering, you will have to have a contract or power purchase agreement
with the utility to connect to the electric grid and sell them electricity. The
purchased electric rate is often referred to as the “buy-back” rate, and can vary
according to the utility and energy producer contract. Sometimes utility companies
will only pay the wholesale rate for each kWh of electricity generated, or they
may have a rate for renewable energy supplied by a wind turbine. Their buy-back
rate can greatly influence the economics of wind turbine system installation, and
the size of wind turbine to be installed. If the wind turbine is connected to your
farm's electrical system behind the farm's electrical meter, then any power consumed
and not fed to the utility grid will offset electricity at retail rates. Only electricity
fed to the grid will be affected by the "buy-back" rate.
Contact your local utility for information on their renewable energy generation
inter-connection policies and rules.
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$/kWh
Please enter a value between 0.01 and 100
Please enter a value between 0.01 and 100
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Select a different state if the turbine site is not located at the zip code entered
for this tool
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Click on one of the links to view the wind map
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What is the wind speed at your location (at height of turbine)
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Please enter a value between 0 and 100
Please enter a value between 0 and 100
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What is the height above the ground for the wind map used?
(If height is not stated use 30m)
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meters
Please enter a value between 10 and 100
Please enter a value between 10 and 100
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What types of terrain surrounds the proposed turbine site?
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