Generation Solar Renewable Energy Systems

Before you begin

Correctly sizing a complete wind or wind hybrid system can be a stern challenge. However, you can get a rough idea of your energy needs - and, therefore, of the size and cost of an energy system - by following the two steps listed below.

If it proves impractical to be completely independent with PV and wind, you may consider a grid-connected system - coupling PV and/or wind system with the utility power. You may also consider starting off with a small system which can be expanded at a later date.

Step 1

How much energy will you be using?

See Step 1 on the PV system sizing page for details on calculating your energy consumption, then come back here and proceed to...

Step 2

How much wind do I have?

This is the most difficult part. In order to estimate how much energy a given wind turbine can derive from the wind, we must understand just how much wind is available to tap into. Unlike the sun, which shines pretty much equally all over the earth depending on latitude, wind is very subject to local geography. That means that 2 sites which might appear identical and be only a few kilometers apart could have very different wind resources.



	Servicing a remote solar powered anemometer.

There are several sources of information about the wind in your area: weather maps, historical records, and other local residents can all contribute to your research. A survey of the conifers on your site using the Griggs-Putnam Index of Deformity can also be a useful guide. To be sure, though, you'll need to measure the wind at your particular site with a device called an anemometer.

Anemometers log the wind over time like an odometer on a car. If you erect an anemometer at the exact spot you think is best for a wind turbine, the data from the anemometer can be used in conjunction with the specifications of a particular wind turbine to estimate the amount of energy that turbine would have produced at that site, had it been installed.

Generally, annual averages of 10mph (or 4 to 5 m/s) are the minimum to make a wind turbine an effective energy producer. For more tips, see Siting a Wind Turbine

Step 3

What size of turbine do you need?

Look up your expected consumption (from Step 1) on the performance curves of several turbines using the average wind speed at your site (from Step 2). We've drawn a very rough guide to turbine blade span vs expected energy output.

Got lost somewhere between "electrical loads" and "turbine swept area"? Don’t stress - contact Generation Solar for helpful and friendly advice.

Now what?

If wind power is a feasible option for you, then you may want to check out our Store & services section.

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