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If you're gunning for a home-scale wind turbine, look no further than the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) Web site, which will guide you through the process of getting your small wind project installed and in operation. Here are the basic steps you'll need to consider:
1. Financing: Expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for every kilowatt of generating capacity, or about $40,000 for a 10-kw installed system. Although this is much cheaper than solar systems, the payback period can still be lengthy. Be sure to investigate federal, state, and utility incentives before dropping all your cash.
2. Getting a building permit: Because a wind turbine is a tall structure that requires a building permit, you may require a conditional-use permit or variance before you start hammering away. (You may have to submit a structural plan drafted by an engineer, but documents from your turbine manufacturer or dealer may be enough.)
Costwise, feeds for permits and "plot plans" can range from $400 to $1,600. And word to the wise: It's probably a good idea to let your neighbors know about your installation. 3. Evaluating the site: Is your site windy enough? Note that wind maps only give broad estimates; for more-realistic numbers, consult a turbine dealer or put up an anemometer.
A good small wind turbine site is typically at least one acre in size, says AWEA. Turbines must be mounted at least 30 feet above any physical wind barriers, such as trees or buildings, within 300 feet to avoid air turbulence.
4. Connecting to the grid: Want to break even faster? Connecting your system to the utility grid allows you to sell excess power that you generate to the utility, as well as buy electricity from the utility when your needs exceed your wind-powered generation.
If your utility offers a net metering or billing arrangement, according to AWEA, you can even sell your excess power at the same price you pay for electricity you purchase, which increases the value of your investment.
::American Wind Energy Association
Difficulty level: Advanced
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