June 15th, 2009
If you are considering a small vertical axis wind turbine for your home, here’s what you should know:
- You need wind speeds of 12 mph on average in your area to benefit from a small wind installation, especially if you’re looking to use a vertical wind unit, which operates closer to the ground, at slower speeds. You should probably install a wind speed gauge, called an anemometer and check wind maps and other sources. Mariah Power offers a research guide and some tips for measuring wind speed at your location.
- You should research tax incentives. The federal government is offering a 30 percent tax credit for clean energy installations, including wind, through 2016. To check your state’s possible incentives, visit the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
- Check with your neighborhood association and local municipality to see what permitting requirements you must meet.
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