WIND POWER: CLEAN, RENEWABLE, AFFORDABLE
Wind power is created when turbines capture the energy of the wind and convert it into storable electricity. Wind power is a clean, renewable and affordable energy option. And Colorado is ranked 11th in the United States for its wind potential, so it’s an especially viable option in our state.
Wind power is a great option for those interested in saving money, reducing their carbon footprint and gaining more independence from fossil fuels.
To learn about choosing wind or other green energy options from your local utility, visit our Green Power Programs page. To learn more about choosing a wind system for your home or business, consult the wind power FAQ below.
Wind Power FAQ
- How does wind power work?
- How do I know if a wind electric system is a good fit for me?
- How much energy will a wind power system produce?
- How much does a wind power system cost?
- What rebates or incentives are available for wind power?
- Are there any laws or regulations I need to be aware of?
- How does installation work?
- What should I keep in mind if I’m hiring a contractor?
- How much money will I save?
- What are the other benefits?
Wind turbines are designed to harness the power of the wind. As the wind blows, it lifts and turns the blades of the turbine, and that energy is stored in a generator.
For more information:
Learn more about how wind power works from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Explore the American Wind Energy Association® site.
2. How do I know if a wind electric system is a good fit for me?
There are many factors you should consider to determine if a small wind electric system is right for you. A small wind electric system may work for you if:
- There is enough wind where you live
- Tall towers are allowed in your area
- You have enough space
- You can determine how much electricity you need or want to produce
- It works for you economically
Wind energy systems involve a significant initial investment. However, they can be competitive with conventional energy sources when you account for a lifetime of minimal or non-existent utility costs.
If you’re considering a wind system for your home, it’s a good idea to begin by increasing efficiency and reducing your overall energy consumption. Lowering your energy use will reduce the size of the home-based renewable energy system you need.
For more information:
Get detailed information about benefits, types of systems and practical concerns with the Small Wind Electric Systems: A Colorado Consumer’s Guide.
Try The Wind Energy Payback Period Workbook, an Excel spreadsheet tool that can help you analyze the economics of a small wind electric system and decide whether wind energy will work for you.
3. How much energy will a wind power system produce?
The amount of energy your wind power system will produce depends on a variety of factors. A wind turbine manufacturer can help you estimate the energy production you can expect, taking into account your particular wind turbine power curve, the average annual wind speed at your site, the height of the tower that you plan to use, the elevation of your site and the frequency distribution of the wind during an average year. Contact a wind turbine manufacturer or dealer for assistance with this calculation.
4. How much does a wind power system cost?
A small turbine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $50,000 installed, depending on size, application and service agreements with the manufacturer. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says a typical home wind system costs approximately $32,000 (10 kW); a comparable photovoltaic (PV) solar system would cost more than $80,000 (not including rebates and incentives).
5. What rebates or incentives are available for wind power?
There are a number of financial incentives and programs for wind power systems. See the Energy Action Planner for additional information on financial incentives in your area.
6. Are there any laws or regulations I need to be aware of?
Before installing a small wind electric system, you will need to research local zoning laws and permit requirements for small wind in your area. Contact the local building inspector, board of supervisors or planning board for your local zoning laws, permit requirements and restrictions.
You may also wish to communicate with neighbors who may be impacted by your installation of a wind power system. Click here for a sample letter to your neighbors.
7. How does installation work?
You may choose to get help from your manufacturer/dealer or install the machine yourself. Before attempting to install your wind turbine, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I pour a proper cement foundation?
- Do I have access to a lift or a way of erecting the tower safely?
- Do I know the difference between AC and DC wiring?
- Do I know enough about electricity to safely wire my turbine?
- Do I know how to safely handle and install batteries?
If you answered no to any of the above questions, you may not be equipped to install your wind turbine yourself; ask your manufacturer/dealer for help.
8. What should I keep in mind if I’m hiring a contractor?
For general tips, including what to ask a potential contractor, how to compare bids and how to monitor quality, please visit the How to Hire a Contractor page.
In addition to the general tips in our How to Hire a Contractor page, you may need to consider some specific issues when hiring a contractor for this particular kind of work.
Installing a small wind system is a specialized skill. Look for an installer who is experienced, is a licensed electrician and can help with permitting. Ask for references and follow-up to make sure others have been satisfied. When you are looking for a wind contractor, keep in mind the following:
- Ask how long the proposed turbine model has been in production. Make sure it has been available to ordinary customers (rather than just in the testing phase) for a comfortable amount of time.
- Ask if the wind turbine meets the proposed American Wind Energy Association Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standards.
- Ask if the manufacturer offers a performance guarantee for turbine output.
- Ask what problems the installer has seen with turbines in the field. How have they dealt with them? Has the manufacturer issued any recalls or updates as a result of these problems? Who does the work to remedy the problem? Who pays for this work?
- Ask your contractor how they will ensure that the work is compliant with any incentive program requirements you may qualify for.
For more information:
To search a list of contractors in your area provided by the Better Business Bureau, visit the Energy Action Planner, right on this site.
See the American Wind Energy Association’s list of small wind manufacturers.
View a list of additional detailed questions you may want to ask potential small wind contractors.
9. How much money will I save?
In the long run, your savings will depend on multiple factors, such as cost, energy usage and average wind speed. In general, wind turbines can lower energy costs 50-90%.
10. What are the other benefits?
Wind power has many benefits.
- It’s fueled by the wind, so it's a clean fuel source.
- It is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.
- The nation's wind supply is abundant.
- Wind power relies on the renewable power of the wind, which can't be used up.
- It is one of the lowest-priced renewable energy technologies available today, costing between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour, depending upon the wind resource and project financing of the particular project.
- Wind turbines can be built on farms or ranches, thus benefiting the economy in rural areas, where most of the best wind sites are found. Farmers and ranchers can continue to work the land because the wind turbines use only a fraction of the land. Wind power plant owners make rent payments to the farmer or rancher for the use of the land.
