small wind

Small Wind Toolbox

Evaluating the Site

How's Your Wind Density?
If you think your site is windy enough to power a small wind turbine, odds are you're right -- half the land mass in the United States has sufficient wind to make a small turbine viable. It's crucial, however, that the wind on your property is sustained for long periods at a time

The Department of Energy measures wind power on a scale of 1 (weakest) to 7. If winds on your site are at least class 2 (annual wind speeds averaging 9.8-11.5 mph), it may be suitable for wind generation, subject to other conditions also discussed on this site.

Go to the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States or the Choose Renewables Estimator Tool to check wind strength in your general area, or, for western regions only, consult windpowermaps.org and The Renewable Energy Atlas of the West. In California, check California Wind Resource Maps.

Please remember that wind maps give only broad estimates -- the wind speed on any particular site is largely determined by terrain. Consult a turbine dealer or put up an anemometer to more thoroughly research your wind resource.

Do You Have the Clearance?
A good small wind turbine site is typically at least one acre in size. Turbines must be mounted at least 30 feet above any physical wind barriers (i,e., trees, buildings, or bluffs) within 300 feet to avoid air turbulence. Winds are faster at higher elevations, and wind power increases by a factor of three as speed increases, so even a small boost in height greatly enhances a turbine's output.

Most small wind turbine manufacturers recommend mounting turbines at least 65 feet high, but particular site conditions should be the primary factor when determining tower height. Towers from 80 to 120 feet tall may be optimal.

Zoning restrictions on your site may limit the allowable tower height, requiring you to seek a conditional use permit or variance from your city or county planning department. Local authorities have the discretion to issue zoning waivers for small turbines where appropriate.

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