Equipment

Wind energy generation is a rapidly evolving field and the most up to date information is likely to be found on web sites and informational brochures from companies producing the equipment. Some basic equipment decisions include whether your site is utility scale or "small wind".

Utility scale sites must have access to consistently good wind potential and will typically be located fairly close to high tension transmission lines so the power can be fed into the grid. A utility scale installation can easily cost over $1M. Utility scale equipment can be 300 feet tall, with each blade as long as a semi trailer, so Installation usually requires careful consideration of neighbor, wildlife, and other siting issues discussed elsewhere on this web site.

"Small" wind equipment is far less costly, and entails fewer siting issues, although good wind is still necessary for the investment to pay for itself. The equipment will include the tower, the generation system at the top of the tower, a system to convert and stabilize the power, and a way to integrate the power with other sources of power. In some cases, it may be economically feasible to sell back excess power to the grid, requiring metering systems. Small Wind Case Studies