Is wind energy practical for me?
A small wind energy system may provide you with an economical source of electricity if you live in an area with fairly steady strong winds and at least one-half acre of open land.
Personal impressions of the windiness of a site are often not reliable – it is better to use an objective measure. The most precise information can be obtained by placing an anemometer (a device which measures wind speed) on your site for at least one year. You may be able to benefit from Colorado’s free anemometer loan program.
A faster method is to look up wind data from the Colorado wind resource map and the anemometer loan program. Winds on your site should be at least class 2 to be suitable for wind generation. The U.S. Department of Energy has more information on siting turbines, and the American Wind Energy Association offers a detailed siting handbook.
You will need to make sure your local zoning codes or covenants allow for wind turbines and the fairly tall towers that allow them to catch enough wind to make electricity. You also need to do enough research to learn whether a turbine will pay for itself quickly enough to meet your financial requirements.
For more information, see: Wind Energy for Colorado Homeowners, Farmers, and Small Businesses – CSU Extension
Updated Thursday, May 17, 2012