Wind power improves the world by adding long-lasting renewable energy. Renewable forms of energy include solar, wind, and hydro power. Renewable energy does not deplete the world’s resources. Renewable energy reduces the cost of energy in the medium and long term and avoids the excessive use of fossil fuels. This reduces the carbon footprint of the user.

Windmills can be installed on a small scale for homeowners, ranchers, farmers, and retail business owners. This type of power application may require backup power from your local utility or power company for consistent power. Most regions do not have wind resources available 24/7. There are large commercial wind farms developed in communities where the population supports green energy.

Commercial wind farms generate power in excess of 100 kW. Municipal utilities, electric utilities, large industrial customers, and energy corporations develop and own wind farms that produce electricity to meet their own energy demand. Smaller customers can generate renewable electricity from small windmills or solar panels and sign contracts to sell their excess power to the utility company. Customers send excess energy to the utility company when they produce excess energy. Customers can purchase energy from the utility when their wind and solar energy production is less than their electricity production. Net metering allows the customer to use the electrical grid as effective storage for renewable energy.

Real historical information about the wind resource for your specific piece of land is crucial to the success of your project. Wind strength varies greatly from place to place. Determine the amount of wind and its speed at your site. Check wind maps for your area and region. Are you interested in commercial development or own use of wind energy?

Set up a tower in your preferred location and place an anemometer at the expected height of your windmill blades to measure exact wind speed. You can install multiple anemometers at different heights and locations to get more detailed information about the wind supply. This information must be collected over a year or two to fully assess the future potential of your wind project. You can collect and analyze wind statistics or hire a professional. You may want to lease your land to a professional developer if your land has high wind levels and you don’t have zoning issues. Nonprofit organizations can provide contacts at commercial wind development companies. This is a long-term commitment that may restrict the sale of your property in the future.

Wind power is a global renewable energy asset. Europe supports wind energy. Save the environment and build a community to protect the earth. Demand that your local and national leaders support green renewable energy. © 2015