Wind

A full selection of Wind products can be found here, in our store

Where are Wind turbines Used?

Wind turbines (or generators) are used in a broad range of applications from grid connected to remote homes, water pumping, sailboats, telecommunications, off shore platforms, cathodic protection, recreation and farming. The diagram above is an example of a wind turbine in a grid connected home or business. If you click on the individual components in the diagram you will be taken to that item at the Affordable-Solar store.

How windy does it have to be?

If you have a wind resource greater than 9mph and your area is free from obstacles then a wind turbine will likely be a good match. An important reason to have a wind turbine is because of the seasonal variations of your solar and wind resources. A hybrid system that uses both solar photovoltaic panels and a wind turbine will make the perfect compliment that provides minimal interruptions in power. If you have any questions please call or email our wind engineers at Affordable-Solar.

Positioning and Location

The ideal location for a wind turbine is 20’ above any surrounding object (trees, roof tops, hills) within a 250 foot radius. This generally means your property should be at least ½ acre or larger in size.

It seems windy around here, but how can I be sure?

You can do a spot check verify by viewing the Wind Resource Map below, and clicking on the link below the map to obtain more detailed look in your local area.

Additional state by state detail can be found at the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/wind_maps.asp

You may also contact the closest weather, TV or radio station and ask them for an idea of the average wind in your area. Some local station web sites may have this information. Wind patterns can change over short distances, so try to obtain information as close to your potential wind turbine as possible.

Griggs-Putnam Index of Deformity

The Griggs-Putnam Index of Deformity is an additional useful tool to help determine the potential of a wind site. The idea is to observe the area’s vegetation. A trees shape, especially conifers or evergreens, in often influenced by winds. Strong winds can permanently deform the trees. This deformity in trees is known as “flagging”. Flagging is usually more pronounced for single, isolated trees with some height. The Griggs-Putnam diagram, like the Wind Resource Maps, can offer a rough estimate of the wind in your area. The more information that you can obtain from the various sources listed above, the greater degree of accuracy you will have in determining your wind speed and your potential power output.

For additional product information on wind turbines please visit us in the Affordable-Solar store.