There are two models for residential and commercial applications that we are familiar with: One is 1.88kW rated power and the 3.75kW rated power. The annual kWh output of a system is determined by the average annual wind speed at your site and a minimum mounting height of 30 feet (10m) is suggested. If you're not confident about what your average wind speed is, we offer two options to gather this information.

1. A Wind Feasibility Study, in which we do all the work for you. The study includes 3-4 months of anemometer recordings of wind speeds at your site, an evaluation of your local zoning, permitting, financial incentives and any restrictions.
2. You can get a rough estimate of your wind conditions via publicly available data. First, you will need to know the latitude and longitude for your site. You can get this from Google Earth at www.earth.google.com or http://geocoder.us/.

Next, use this NASA web site to check the average wind speed over a ten-year period. http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/sse/RETScreen/ .NASA offers data at 50 meters and 10 meters; you should use the 10-meter numbers and get back to me.

Most consumers evaluate the investment of wind turbines relative to the return on investment and payback period.  This is contingent upon a number of factors such as the average wind speed, the cost of money if financed to purchase the equipment and pay for installation.  Another consideration in the pay back calculation is the cost of electricity from your utility company which in most areas is set to increase in the near future.  The Wind Turbine Power (kW) is also dependant on the equipment installed and can affect the pay back period.

Should this initial research indicate favorable conditions, the next step is to determine the political and municipality requirements related to zoning and permitting. Then, you want to research and find out what financial incentives you might be eligible for. These rebates can reduce your costs by thousands so don't overlook them. There are several ways to finance the purchase of a turbine, one of which is to apply for a home improvement loan. Many people are finding this to be the lowest cost alternative. Most manufacturers do not currently offer financing, although this may change in 2009.

We can help you evaluate the feasibility of a wind turbine at your location, at the end of this effort we will be able to provide you with: 

• An opinion of probable cost for the installation of the correct equipment for the site.
• Identify the zoning restrictions relative to the installation.
• Identify grants, loans or tax credits that maybe applicable at the time of the study
• The pay back period based on a formula that takes into consideration all of the parameters identified.