Wind Energy

Q: What can I use a small wind turbine for?
A: Small wind systems can be used on-grid (for a cabin, home, farm, or business) or off-grid (for a boat, RV, cabin, home, farm, business, or remote instruments):
Using an on-grid, small wind system can help supplement your grid electricity and reduce your dependency on local utilities.
Using an off-grid, small wind system can help provide electricity to remote locations for both seasonal or year-round use. Wind systems can help reduce the use of diesel generators, supplement solar systems, and save fuel costs. For remote applications in Alaska, selection of a turbine that is suitable for the weather conditions is critical. RES can help in determing the right turbine for your location and needs.

Q: What happens when there is not enough wind to generate electricity?
A: When the wind stops blowing, electricity continues to be provided by other forms of generation. This includes battery backup, solar, and generators.

Q: Is there enough wind on my site?
A: The amount of wind at your site is critical since it will determine the amount of energy your turbine will produce. A 10kW turbine installed with an average annual wind speed of 10 miles per hour (4.47 meters per second) produces about 7,700 kWh per year. The same turbine will produce about 12,500 kWh per year if the average annual wind speed is 12 miles per hour (5.36 meters per second). Your site should have an annual average wind speed of at least 10 miles per hour. Wind speeds of 12 miles per hour or more are preferred.
Available wind resource will vary significantly in just a few miles because of local terrain influences on the wind flow. RES will work with you to determine the available wind at your site and how to maximize the energy produced.

Q. What are the basic parts of a small wind electric system?
A: Small wind energy systems are generally comprised of a rotor, a generator mounted on a frame, a tail (usually), a tower, wiring, and the “balance of system” components: controllers, inverters, and/or batteries.