Wind 101: Introduction to Residential Wind Power Systems

Wind power continues to be one of the fastest growing sources of clean energy in the US but is it really feasible on a residential scale? This introductory workshop provides a great foundation for homeowners interested in installing a wind turbine on their property. It’s also a great starter course for contractors considering expanding business to include wind system design, installation, and consulting. In this basic workshop you will learn about the components of a wind electric system; how much power you can expect; and how to assess if wind power is right for your site and power needs. We’ll also talk about popular hybrid alternative technology solutions. You’ll leave this course with a good understanding of wind power and you’ll know how best to move forward with this clean energy resource.

By the end of this workshop you will understand:

• The benefits and drawbacks of wind electric systems
• How to tell if you have a good site for a wind turbine
• How to estimate your system needs (wattage)
• How to estimate of system costs, rebates and incentives
• How to proceed

Lecture Topics:

• Energy efficiency and electricity basics
• Residential scale wind power applications
• Equipment selection and system components
• Estimating power in the wind
• Basics of assessing a site for wind potential
• Basics of selecting turbine size
• Hybrid systems: Wind & PV
• Resources