Making a large purchase such as a wind turbine system requires careful research. To choose a manufacturer and installer, take referrals from others who own turbines and check trusted directories like the American Association of Wind Energy (AWEA)’s list of Small Wind Turbine Equipment Providers. Look for companies in your state if possible to reduce shipping costs and delays in repair calls.
Stop! Have You Had a Wind Assessment?
Wind quality is the number one factor in an efficient wind power system. The higher the wind speed, the more energy can be generated. Have the turbine installer or a private assessor do a wind survey on the exact spot your turbine will stand. Wind patterns differ by area and height, and are effected by turbulence and interference, so be certain of favorable wind speeds before making a purchase.
Get Bids and Answers to Specific Questions
It’s always a good idea to get multiple bids on large home construction projects. Get three bids or estimates from different companies, and ask them for additional information to determine whether they’re the right company for you. Helpful information that your turbine installer should be able to provide includes:
The annual potential output of the turbine at the wind speeds assessed on your site.
Where the annual output was measured. Some manufactures use a lab to test wind output, while others erect turbines outside and take measurements from them. Outdoor measurements are probably more accurate.
The aspects of your site that could affect potential output. Some examples include tall trees which could obstruct wind speeds, seasonal impacts, and site elevation.
Learn the amount of time the company has been in business, and how long the turbine model has been for sale. Turbine technology is exploding these days, so some models on the market may not have had the long term field testing that older models have.
Ask for contact information from the company’s customers so you can talk with them about actual turbine performance. The people who are using the turbines are the best resource you can find.
Talk with the manufacturer and the company’s customers about repair and safety issues. You’ll want to know what to expect in terms of maintenance on your turbine, and what repairs you can safely do yourself.
Do Your Own Research and Consider Your Options
The internet is a wonderful tool when making a big purchase. Online independent reviews of different turbine models and manufacturers is more than likely available. Choose the turbine and installer with the best bid and the best reviews.
Choosing the right equipment for your wind power system can take extra time if you’re installing the system yourself. When you assemble your own turbine using parts from multiple suppliers, you’ll need to research even more carefully to make sure all the components are compatible. There are many online sites and boards to help the DIY wind turbine installer. Still, the process takes additional time, and requires extra care in preparation.
There are books and sites online that walk a self-installer through the process of building and installing their own wind turbine. Many of these sites provide a wealth of experience and information on equipment, zoning laws, wiring and safety codes, mistakes, and triumphs. The information can be helpful, and many times free, but it’s also more casual than a turbine manufacturer would be. Make doubly sure you’ve got the process down before beginning any kind of construction.
Become well versed in the wind turbine industry before making any purchases. Make sure you’ve had your site wind data assessment and talk with utilities and zoning agencies who will be involved in the installation process. Find the wind power system that will maximize output for your specific area, and you’ll realize big energy savings.
Stop! Have You Had a Wind Assessment?
Wind quality is the number one factor in an efficient wind power system. The higher the wind speed, the more energy can be generated. Have the turbine installer or a private assessor do a wind survey on the exact spot your turbine will stand. Wind patterns differ by area and height, and are effected by turbulence and interference, so be certain of favorable wind speeds before making a purchase.
Get Bids and Answers to Specific Questions
It’s always a good idea to get multiple bids on large home construction projects. Get three bids or estimates from different companies, and ask them for additional information to determine whether they’re the right company for you. Helpful information that your turbine installer should be able to provide includes:
The annual potential output of the turbine at the wind speeds assessed on your site.
Where the annual output was measured. Some manufactures use a lab to test wind output, while others erect turbines outside and take measurements from them. Outdoor measurements are probably more accurate.
The aspects of your site that could affect potential output. Some examples include tall trees which could obstruct wind speeds, seasonal impacts, and site elevation.
Learn the amount of time the company has been in business, and how long the turbine model has been for sale. Turbine technology is exploding these days, so some models on the market may not have had the long term field testing that older models have.
Ask for contact information from the company’s customers so you can talk with them about actual turbine performance. The people who are using the turbines are the best resource you can find.
Talk with the manufacturer and the company’s customers about repair and safety issues. You’ll want to know what to expect in terms of maintenance on your turbine, and what repairs you can safely do yourself.
Do Your Own Research and Consider Your Options
The internet is a wonderful tool when making a big purchase. Online independent reviews of different turbine models and manufacturers is more than likely available. Choose the turbine and installer with the best bid and the best reviews.
Choosing the right equipment for your wind power system can take extra time if you’re installing the system yourself. When you assemble your own turbine using parts from multiple suppliers, you’ll need to research even more carefully to make sure all the components are compatible. There are many online sites and boards to help the DIY wind turbine installer. Still, the process takes additional time, and requires extra care in preparation.
There are books and sites online that walk a self-installer through the process of building and installing their own wind turbine. Many of these sites provide a wealth of experience and information on equipment, zoning laws, wiring and safety codes, mistakes, and triumphs. The information can be helpful, and many times free, but it’s also more casual than a turbine manufacturer would be. Make doubly sure you’ve got the process down before beginning any kind of construction.
Become well versed in the wind turbine industry before making any purchases. Make sure you’ve had your site wind data assessment and talk with utilities and zoning agencies who will be involved in the installation process. Find the wind power system that will maximize output for your specific area, and you’ll realize big energy savings.
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