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Small Wind Guidebook

* Introduction
* First, How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient?
* Is Wind Energy Practical for Me?
* What Size Wind Turbine Do I Need?
* What Are the Basic Parts of a Small Wind Electric System?
* What Do Wind Systems Cost?
* Where Can I Find Installation and Maintenance Support?
* How Much Energy Will My System Generate?
* Is There Enough Wind on My Site?
* How Do I Choose the Best Site for My Wind Turbine?
* Can I Connect My System to the Utility Grid?
* Can I Go Off-Grid?
* State Information Portal
* Glossary of Terms
* For More Information

Web Resources

Alternative Energy Institute Wind Test Center
The Alternative Energy Institute's Wind Test Center is one of four centers under subcontract from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to test wind turbines to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Small Wind Standard, for certification by the Small Wind Certification Council.

American Solar Energy Society Wind Division
The American Solar Energy Society also offers information related to small wind systems.

American Wind Energy Association
Learn about distributed and community wind.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Distributed Wind Energy Association
DWEA provides info about distributed and community wind, including a Zoning Resource Center.

Energy Savers Guide: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home
Energy Savers provides the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies, as well as tips for using clean, renewable energy to power your home.

Green Power Network Net Metering
The U.S. Department of Energy offers this resource for information on net metering programs.

High Plains Small Wind Test Center
The High Plains Small Wind Test Center is one of four centers under subcontract from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to test wind turbines to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Small Wind Standard, for certification by the Small Wind Certification Council.

Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC)
ITAC offers a Unified List of Wind Turbines that participating clean energy programs and utilities can use as the basis for incentive or other funding eligibility.

Intertek
Intertek offers a third-party testing service for small wind turbine manufacturers that helps ensure component safety and reliability to the AWEA 9.1 Standard Testing and Certification.

Montana State University Extension
This site explores small wind applications for the home, farm, or ranch and includes informative fact sheets.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Wind Technology Center
Learn about NREL's small wind turbine research: turbine testing, turbine development, and prototype refinement.

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
NABCEP offers consumers a list of certified installers and sales professionals.

RENEW Wisconsin Small Wind Toolbox
Although some of these materials are Wisconsin-specific, the toolbox should assist anyone planning to install a wind turbine.

Small Wind Certification Council
The Small Wind Certification Council provides independent certification of small wind turbines.

Solar Energy International
This organization offers short courses on renewable energy and sustainable development.

U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Portal
Learn more about wind energy and energy efficiency.

Wind for Schools
The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind for Schools Project installs small wind turbines at rural elementary and secondary schools and develops Wind Application Centers at higher education institutions.

Wind Powering America
Wind Powering America is a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Program designed to educate, engage, and enable critical stakeholders to make informed decisions about how wind energy contributes to the U.S. electricity supply.

Windustry
Windustry offers information on wind energy for homes and farms, as well as community-scale wind projects.

Windward Engineering Certification Testing
Windward Engineering's Certification Test Center is one of four centers under subcontract from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory to test wind turbines to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Small Wind Standard, for certification by the Small Wind Certification Council.