Small wind turbines produce electricity from wind; they are mechanically simple, with only two or three moving parts: blades of 2-15 feet in length, a generator located at the hub, and a tail. Small wind turbines can generate clean energy for homes on properties or farms greater than one acre in size with sufficient wind resources. Only about half of Frederick County has sufficient wind to support wind turbines. The western and eastern sections of the county have annual average wind speeds around 4 meters per second and greater at a 30-m height, which is considered to be a suitable wind resource for small wind projects. Good exposure to prevailing winds is also critical. For large community or agricultural wind turbine installations with an expected capacity greater than 5 KW, Maryland’s State Anemometer Loan Program can provide wind measuring devices to property owners.
While most small wind turbines look like miniaturized utility-scale, three-bladed turbines, there are hundreds of models of varying appearance. Like solar PV systems, small wind turbines can be tied to the electric grid allowing the owner to use electricity from the local utility when the wind does not blow, and send surplus electricity to the grid when winds are strong and usage is low.
Small wind turbines (3 to 10 kilowatts) can cost from $15,000 to $50,000 to install. The federal tax credit, the Maryland WindSwept Grant Program, and utility bill savings can offset the initial outlay considerably.
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