Wind Power for Your Business
10-Steps to Set Up Wind Power for Your Business
- Determine what the wind energy system will be used for
- If you are planning to develop a commercial-scale wind farm
- Perform an energy audit
- Make sure you have a viable wind resource
- Contact installers
- Consult with your neighbors
- Make sure you have enough space
- Contact your local utility
- Select an installer
- Apply for incentives
1. Determine what the wind energy system will be used for
Wind energy can be used for on-site generation or commercial-scale for a sale to a utility or a developer. Once you decide this, you will have a better idea of the system size.
2. If you are planning to develop a commercial-scale wind farm
Download 10 Steps to Developing a Wind Farm available from the American Wind Energy Association.
3. Perform an energy audit
If the wind will be used for on-site generation, consider doing an energy audit of your facilities first to find out how much energy you use and how you can improve the efficiency of your facilities. Renewable energy systems are best-suited for energy efficient buildings, and you will get the most out of your investment. Click here for energy efficiency tips and suggestions.
4. Make sure you have a viable wind resource
A good resource will improve the cost-effectiveness of the project.
- Check Utah's Wind Maps and Wind Data (Utah's wind data is constantly being updated and revised, so don't be discouraged if your area is not on the map.)
- Contact the Utah State Energy Program; 538-4798)
- Apply for the State Wind Anemometer Loan Program; (801) 538-4798
5. Contact installers
It is a good idea to contact a few installers in your area to determine if wind works for you. Click here for a list of solar and wind installers. Many solar PV installers do small wind installations, however it is important to ask if they have experience with small wind.
If you are interested in larger wind, here is a list of wind industry contacts.
6. Consult with your neighbors
If there are concerns about noise, safety, or visual impacts, visit the American Wind Energy Association website for facts about small wind.
7. Make sure you have enough space
You will need to have enough space on your property to accommodate a small wind turbine. Check with the local Planning & Zoning Commission to determine whether wind energy systems are permitted. If wind is not currently allowed – you will need to determine the exact process from Commission staff. For more information on wind zoning, click here.
8. Contact your local utility
Your local utility can provide information on the availability of net metering, interconnection (connecting to the grid) and/or rebate programs. If you are planning a large-scale wind development, you will need to go through the necessary interconnection procedures and studies, so be sure to get this process started early, as it can take some time to complete. If you are installing a small wind energy system, the process should be fairly straightforward. In either case, you will need to submit an application early in the project development process. Contact the local early on in the development process.
9. Select an installer
Once you have determined that wind is appropriate for your business, you are ready to select an installer – get a few bids for comparison, just as you would a plumber or electrician. Be sure to ask for references, proof of insurance, and license number. Click here for a list of solar and wind installers and a list of wind industry contacts.
10. Apply for incentives, as appropriate
- State Incentives
- Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate)
- Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption
- Renewable Energy Economic Development Incentives (administered through Gov. Office of Economic Development)
- Federal Incentives
- Utility incentives (please note: the list below may not include all available incentives. Please contact your local utility)
- Summary of All State and Federal Incentives - Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy
