Wind Power is growing increasingly viable as an agriculture energy source for both farms and greenhouses. Most often this comes in the form of a small (non-industrial) size wind turbine on location. These turbines are availble in a variety of sizes, and can either be off-grid or connected to the electrical grid.

There are a variety of factors that go into determining whether a small wind turbine is feasible for an agribusiness. The single most important aspect is the wind speed and frequency at a given location. This is because wind speed is a cubed factor for its energy output. Since wind turbines are a substantial investment it is very important to be able to analytically analyze the wind speed, which often done with an anemometer study. Other considerations include siting guidelines, connection issues,  net metering, among others.

It becomes clear that the perception of "good wind" is not enough information for going through with a wind turbine project. Instead, a broader study of a variety of economic impacts and policies is needed to understand both the risks and rewards associated with wind energy.

Wind Basics

FAQ: answers for Michigan

Michigan Anemometer Loan Program

Graphical Interpretation and Analysis

Financing

Wind Energy Organizations