Used to be if you wanted to put a wind turbine up at your house you either had to live on a remote farm, or grow your hair long and pledge allegiance to an aging group of touring musicians. Thanks to major improvements in technology and a general awareness of the benefits of making your own energy from clean and free wind, small wind power is going mainstream. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the US small wind market grew by 78% last year with many new turbines hitting the market. But more options don’t make finding the right wind power solution easy. If you are interested but not sure how to even get started, here are 9 things to know as you consider wind power.

1. Small wind turbines can be broken into two main technologies: Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) or Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). HAWTs are propeller based turbines that are traditionally mounted on tall poles and are commonly used in large wind farm settings. HAWTs have blades which rotate vertically around a horizontal axis, similar to a propeller on an airplane. VAWTs include two main classes: a tall vertical airfoil style (Darrieus), and a solid winged style (Savonius). Darrieus Turbines come in a few varieties. Some have rotors with curved blades that look like an eggbeater and rotate about a vertical axis. Another variation uses straight-sided airfoils and is called a Giromill. Like propeller turbines, Darrieus turbines utilize some lift to capture wind energy. Savonius Turbines have rotors with solid vanes or “scoops” which rotate about a vertical axis.

2. There is no precise definition for “small wind” but it usually applies to machines with less than 100 kilowatt (kW) ratings. The “ratings” refer to how much power the turbine can instantaneously generate at a specific wind speed. AWEA recently adopted small wind standards, but it will be 12-18 months before any manufacturers are certified against those standards, thus manufacturers are still able to set their ratings at varying wind speeds. It is not uncommon to find one turbine rated at 25mph and another one rated at 48mph. Obviously the higher wind speed used will result in a higher kW rating, so its not a completely useful figure to go by.

3. While kW ratings will give you a general sense for the size of a turbine, what really matters is how much energy it will produce over a period of time. Wind turbine companies provide energy curves that tell how many kilowatt hours (kWhs) you can expect to generate at specific average wind speeds. You can check your monthly electric bills to gain an understanding of how many kWhs you use. Electricity use varies by season and time of day, so ideally you should add up the kWhs of the last 12 months.

4. This should go without saying, but you need wind to create wind power. All turbines have a minimum required wind speed at which they will start to generate power, this is also known in the wind world as the “cut-in” wind speed. It is possible for a turbine to spin at speeds below the cut-in speed, but those rotations won’t be fast enough to actually create energy. The majority of small wind turbines require a minimum of 10mph average annual winds to generate significant energy. Wind power is a cubic function of wind speed. For all you non-math people out there, this means that a little more wind can create a lot more power. When determining average annual wind speeds, a 10mph average annual wind does not mean it blows 10mph all day everyday. Because of the cubic function, a day of high wind can generate enough power to make up for multiple days of low wind. For you math geeks, average wind speeds follow the Rayleigh distribution curve.

5. So, how do you know if you have enough wind to make wind power a feasible option? The most ideal way to know is to install an anemometer where you want to place your turbine. You can get a very good anemometer for around $500 from www.madgetech.com. If you don’t want to wait a year, you can do shorter anemometer tests but you need to realize that wind speeds change with the seasons. Not ready to invest $500 in your research? Check out local weather sites which should provide data on average wind speeds. Local airports are also wonderful resources for this information. The DOD provides wind maps, but these are measured at 50 meter heights (for use by the big wind guys) and are not always localized enough for small wind installations which are very site specific. You can also call a local wind turbine dealer and request a site visit.

6. What about a site? A “site” is the place on your property where you install your turbine. Site location is a crucial element, and will have a major impact on which turbine you can consider. Turbines are best placed with enough open space to allow the wind direct access to the rotor. This does not necessarily require a specific lot size or a totally open and clear site. Many small wind turbines are designed to work in various settings, for instance HAWTs will work if you can put up a large tower and have consistent wind direction. A VAWT maybe a better option if your wind changes directions and you cannot put up a structure taller than 30 feet. Wind speed can also vary drastically on one piece of property due to structures and topography. Always choose the site with the most access to wind.

7. You’ve done your research and know you have a good source of wind. Now it’s time to pick a turbine or turbines. It’s very common for people to put up multiple turbines to meet more of their energy needs. Two big factors to initially consider are the expected power output and the cost of the unit fully installed. Consult the energy curve of each wind turbine to determine how much energy it is likely to create with your average wind speeds over the course of a year. Compare the kWhs at the same wind speeds across wind turbines, while keeping in mind total cost of the unit. A wind turbine that generates 400kWhs for $2,000 is a lot more expensive than a wind turbine that generates 2,000kWhs for $6,500. Also, don’t be fooled by energy curves that show amazing results at 30mph average winds. It is very unlikely that you live in an area with wind speeds of that level and will ever reach those energy levels.

8. The other big factors to consider are the look of the wind turbine and the sound it creates while operating at moderate wind speeds. Try to visit the wind turbines that you are considering (or at least view on video) so that you can see and hear what they sound like when they operate. There are many designs on the market, all with varying looks and sounds. Find a local dealer or contact the manufacturer with questions. This is a big purchase decision, so you should feel comfortable working with the company and its local representative.

Example of Power Curve

9. A final note on independent testing. As I mentioned above, AWEA finally finished their standards but it will be at least a year until any turbines are certified to those standards. Until then, we recommend focusing your search on independently tested wind turbines. Power curves, which turbine companies use to estimate power ratings and energy curves, can be supposed from complex calculations. But, the truest power curves are created from units being independently tested in real world scenarios. It is very easy for manufacturers to create their own power curves, so it is important to look for wind turbines with independently tested data. I recommend avoiding any turbines that do not have their data verified by an independent test facility.

04.20.2010 – RENO, NEV – Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.), developer of the Windspire® vertical axis wind turbine, announced it has successfully raised additional capital. The latest round of financing was led by current investors Noventi Ventures, Greenhouse Capital Partners and Big Sky Partners. These funds will be used primarily for general corporate purposes, continuing research and development efforts and underwriting the international launch of the Windspire later this year.

This announcement follows recent major announcements from the company, including a name change from Mariah Power, a new solutions-based website (WindspireEnergy.com), and the execution of a new long-term supply agreement with a Michigan manufacturing company.

“We continue to see great potential for the Windspire,” said Giacomo Marini, Chairman of the Board of Windspire Energy and Managing Director of Noventi Ventures. “There is a tremendous market opportunity, especially internationally, for this innovative small wind product. “

“From the beginning we believed that Windspire Energy would significantly expand the small wind market,” said Pete Henig, Board Member of Windspire Energy and Managing Director of Greenhouse Capital Partners. “We are excited by the market acceptance of the Windspire and pleased to continue our commitment with this latest investment. “

“This new round of financing is a great vote of confidence from our current investors,” said Walt Borland, President and CEO of Windspire Energy. “We will now be able to accelerate the execution of our current strategy and aggressively enter the international market later this year. “

The Windspire is a vertical axis wind turbine designed for use in urban, suburban and rural areas. The unique design of the rotor enables the turbine to generate energy silently while standing just thirty-feet tall. The thin profile of the Windspire allows customers to easily scale-up the number of turbines to meet higher energy needs.

Hundreds of Windspires are currently powering homes, businesses, schools, and museums across the United States. Recently the company announced the installation of twenty Windspires at the headquarters of leading software company Adobe Systems in San Jose, California.

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit WindspireEnergy.com

About Noventi Ventures
Noventi Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based, early stage venture capital firm focused on building successful companies through partnerships with entrepreneurs. Noventi leverages the operating experience of its principals, a global network of resources, and a proven record in venture investing to focus on opportunities at the convergence of technology, energy, and the environment. Noventi past investments include Bitfone (acquired by HP), EasyMarket (acquired by TUI), Sygate (acquired by Symantec) and M7 (acquired by BEA). For more information visit noventivc.com

About Greenhouse Capital Partners
Greenhouse Capital Partners is a Sausalito, Calif.-based early stage venture capital firm focused on funding exceptional startups at the earliest stages of company formation. The fund maintains a broad investment approach across a range of select emerging technologies, with a specific interest in cleantech and alternative energy innovations. The firm’s approach is a return to the roots of venture capital, where it will take early stage risk right alongside entrepreneurs and help build companies that will last for years to come. Greenhouse investments include Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power), Solaicx, Lifefactory and Linkage Biosciences. For more information visit greenhousecapital.net

About Big Sky Partners
Big Sky Partners is a Los Angeles, Calif.-based early stage venture capital firm that invests across a range of high tech startups and select emerging growth companies. The firm, led by Managing Director Michael Schwab, specializes in seed and Series A technology financing, applying a multi-sector investment strategy with a particular focus on the cleantech and alternative energy sectors. The firm has extensive expertise in, and can offer entrepreneurs significant strategic contacts across the clean energy, photovoltaic, next-generation Internet and global financial services industries. Michael B. Schwab currently sits on the Board of Directors of Solaicx and MongoNet, and the firm’s practice is expanding into investments at the earliest stages of biofuels, green transportation, social networking analytics and the penetration of solar integration, installation and distribution into the consumer and enterprise markets. For more information visit bigskyvc.com

Who: The Howell Family

What: Two Windspires

Where: Pleasant Valley, Nevada

When: September 2009

Why: The Howells decided to take advantage of the robust wind resource in their neighborhood by installing twin Windspires. They believe in tapping into renewable energy resources to help future generations including their grandchildren. Their neighbors have also installed the vertical wind turbines, making six total Windspires in this gusty Washoe Valley neighborhood.

Video:

To date, we have no reported bird incidents with the Windspire wind turbine, and actually have one story of a bird who built a nest below the generator housing.  We believe the slow speed in which the Windspire turbine’s blades spin in comparison to the wind speed, also known as Tip Speed Ratio, allows birds to see the blades so they can fly clear of them.  We don’t have a specific bird safety study to cite, but we think this picture says a whole lot (maybe even 1000 words) on the subject.

Eligible property under this program includes only property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income.  Non business energy property, such as property used for residential purpose, does not qualify under this program, but homeowners will continue to enjoy a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of a Windspire including installation.

The Windspire wind turbine is a great way to generate power and interest in your business.  The unique design of the Windspire attracts people who are then happy to learn that this “art sculpture” is actually generating clean energy from the wind.  It’s what we like to call a “win-wind”:)

If you have any questions about the rebate program, please feel free to contact sales@windspireenergy.com or visit our dealer page and find a local Windspire dealer who can also help you.

A car wash in Oklahoma that recently installed a Windspire wind turbine

Last week the US Treasury and Energy departments made a major announcement regarding incentives for businesses that install renewable energy, including Windspire wind turbines.  $3Billion dollars will now be made immediately available to reimburse businesses, which is a change from the former tax credit model.  Treasury will pay reimbursements within 60 days of receiving an application if the project is complete. If the project is not complete, Treasury will pay within 60 days of completion.  This will make installing Windspire wind turbines even more affordable.

The Windspire is included in the program based on this definition:

Qualified small wind energy property: Qualified small wind energy property is property that uses a qualifying small wind turbine to generate electricity. A qualifying small wind turbine is a wind turbine that has a nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts.

Here are some excerpts from the press release posted on the Department of Energy EERE News website.  According to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner the direct payments are available for both large and small companies. The major change in the program is that businesses will forgo tax credits in favor of immediate reimbursement.

As part of an innovative partnership aimed at increasing economic development in urban and rural areas while setting our nation on the path to energy independence, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy today announced an estimated $3 billion for the development of renewable energy projects around the country and made available the guidance businesses will need to submit a successful application. Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the program will provide direct payments in lieu of tax credits in support of an estimated 5,000 biomass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities.

The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo tax credits down the line in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. This direct payment program allows for an immediate stimulus in local economies.

They are not yet accepting applications, but there is a website available with more information http://www.treas.gov/recovery/1603.shtml.

Here are links to a guidance document and a sample application:

Guidance document

Sample application

Reno, Nevada used stimulus funds to purchase some Windspires to help offset electricity costs at a public golf course.  Can’t help but think that the Windspire is one of the easiest ways for cities to go green with wind power using ARRA funds.

The new home was turned over to the McFarland family  with the anticipated “move that bus” cheered on by a large crowd of friends and supporters from the neighborhood. Mariah Power was proud to be a part of the project and to help contribute clean wind energy to an inspiring and deserving family.

Mariah Power donated the Windspire to the McFarland Family and partnered with Windspire dealers Blue Sun Renewable Energy of North Carolina and Northwest Geothermal to install the Windspire at the new home.

We were so excited to be on the show, as it was a great opportunity for viewers around the country to see how easy it is to install a Windspire and start generating their own clean energy.  Hopefully it will help local communities gain a better understanding of wind power, which can lead to a greater adoption of renewable energies across the country.

Raising the first red Windspire in Reno, NV

Recently, we celebrated the launch of a new green building company in Reno, Nevada with the raising of a Windspire at the home of the new company’s owner.  Better Building Company will perform energy audits for homeowners to help them understand what they can do to make their homes more efficient.  Their team of contractors will make changes to the home and will also be installing Windspires for customers who have a good location with adequate wind that want to use wind power to generate clean energy.  With over 50 people in attendance, we raised the Windspire- custom painted in RED! A representative from the local power company, NV Energy, was on hand to talk about the $3000 rebate the owners will receive once the Windspire is hooked up to their net meter.  With bright sun and a strong 15-18mph wind blowing during the event, it was a great day to celebrate renewable energy.