How to Evaluate Your Site for Residential Wind Energy Potential - By: Brent Crouch

The most important aspect to consider when deciding if a residential wind power system is right for a property is the wind speed and velocity that comes through the area. This information will determine the size, location, and height of your turbine, and the amount of potential energy it can create annually.

To determine the wind speed for your property, begin by checking online wind maps for your state and specific region. Wind maps are available on the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory websites.

A wind map is divided into classes from 1-7, with class 1 having the lowest wind speeds and class 7 having the highest. Classes 3 and above should be suitable for wind mills and turbines, which require average wind speeds of at least 10 MPH. Still, a wind map isn't the last word, because every specific property is different. In a class 1 area, the property may have high ground in an exposed area suited for catching wind, and conversely, a class 7 property on low ground with many tall trees may not be able to catch enough wind to power an energy system.

The wind map also gives wind speeds and densities by height. When reviewing your property for obstacles that will affect wind turbine performance, note the height of all trees, buildings, and hills on your property. A windmill tower should stand 20 feet above the highest obstacle within a 400 foot radius, in order to catch the most wind possible without obstruction. Using this information, check the wind speeds for the height you've estimated for the tower. Lower classes may have stronger winds at greater heights.

For more detailed and specific information about your area's wind speeds, check local weather stations or have a professional take a wind survey of the potential wind turbine site. Scientists and other professionals have been collecting data on wind activity for more than 50 years, so more than likely there is detailed information available to you describing the specific wind patterns of your property and area.

Once you've gathered a comprehensive portfolio on the wind behavior for the property, you'll use this information to make informed decisions about the type of system to install on the site. For example, there are turbines with tails to change position with the direction of the wind, and there are stationary turbines which don't move with the wind. Knowing the common wind patterns for your area can help you find the correct type of turbine.

There are many different sizes and lengths of turbines and towers, and the combination you choose will affect the amount of energy the system can generate. A 26% increase in wind speed, for example, can result in a 100% increase in power generation. If you're planning to generate enough electricity to power your home without help from the grid, you'll need to make sure that your system is efficient enough to meet those needs.

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