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Wind: Frequently Asked Questions |
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What creates the wind?
Simply put, wind is generated by the heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. |
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What affects wind at a given site?
Wind speed is determined by atmospheric conditions and terrain characteristics. Evidence of windy local conditions may determine whether your wind resource is adequate or by increasing height above the surface. In general, wind speeds are higher in wide-open areas where few obstructions interfere with air movement. Vegetation and rough surfaces like forests reduce the near surface wind speed. |
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How does the wind turbine work?
As the wind hits the blades of a turbine, it produces a “lift” causing the rotor of the wind turbine to rotate. The rotor collects kinetic (motion) energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home’s electrical system. |
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What is a freestanding tower?
AKA, “monopole” freestanding towers do not require guide wires; however, they do require a solid foundation and can look like an oversized flagpole. |
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How much space/property does a wind system need?
Standard installation using a 45-foot monopole tower would require approximately 64 sq feet of area. This area is also known as the foundation and can be covered with dirt to allow grass to grow around the tower base. Other structures such as our mass megawatt technology usually requires more square footage to accommodate the framing structure. |
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How does the wind power get stored?
Power is not stored. It is either used immediately in the house or business or sent backwards through the meter, creating a credit. |
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Are there financial incentives for buying a wind system?
Yes, the benefits are…
- Clean electric generation
- Stable electric cost
- Create secure electricity supply
- Sending electricity back to the utility (net metering) could result in a credit
- Higher resale value for your property
- Individual states, including PA, NY, and NJ have some form of funding to decrease the upfront cost of a wind system
- Federal and State Incentives
- Grants
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Will it help the environment if I install a wind turbine at my home or business?
Yes. Wind turbines produce no air, water, or thermal pollution and emit no greenhouse gases or smog-causing gases. By using wind power, you will also be offsetting pollution that would have been generated by your utility company. |
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Do wind turbines make noise or interfere with TV reception?
Small wind turbines do make some noise, but not enough to be found objectionable by most people. A typical residential wind system makes less noise than the average washing machine. |
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How does ice affect a wind turbine?
Ice build up on the blades will actually slow or stop the rotation of the wind system due to the effects of additional weight which makes them less aerodynamic thus resulting in slower rotation of the blades. As the sun warms the ice, it will begin to melt and the wind system will slowly start rotating. |
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Will I get paid of excess generation of energy?
Yes. If at the end of each billing cycle (30 days), your home uses less energy than the wind system produced, you would receive a credit (Renewable Energy Credit or REC). REC’s are paid by the utility company at full retail value. |
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Will I still receive an electric bill if I generate my own power?
Yes. You will continue to receive billing statements and will be responsible for the monthly minimum distribution charge that applies to your rate class. |
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Will my wind turbine produce energy if my power goes out?
No. Most small wind systems use a Smart Inverter or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and will only work if it sees the utility power. Why? Due to safety, concerns and the pushing of energy back into the utility grid could cause injury to service technicians making repairs to the utility network. |
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How long does it take to install a wind system?
It is a two-phase project. Phase 1 involves the concrete foundation and conduit run. Phase 2 involves the assembly of the wind system and the erection of tower. Both phases take approximately one day each with approximately 21 days between phases to allow the concrete to cure. Depending on which system is being installed, construction could be completed within one day or several days. |
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Can I run two or more homes or meters off one wind turbine?
Yes. Under PA Act 213, you could apply for virtual net metering and if the homes or meters are within two miles of the wind system, you could qualify for this program. It should be noted though, that the size of the wind system would determine if you qualify to connect multiple meters. |
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Must I sign a contract with my utility company?
Yes. You must sign an interconnection agreement with your utility provider as stated under PA Act 213. |
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Will I need a permit to install a wind turbine?
Yes. You will need a building permit and electrical permit issued by your local borough, township, or county office. |
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