Wind for your home

9-Steps To Install a Small Wind Energy System for Your Home, RV, Cabin or Boat

Improve your home's energy efficiency
Download Small Wind Electric Systems
Contact installers
Make sure you have a viable wind resource
Make sure you have enough space
Consult with your neighbors
Contact your utility company
Select an installer
Apply for incentives

1. Improve your home's energy efficiency
Renewable energy systems are best-suited for energy efficient homes, and you will get the most out of your investment. An 'energy audit' will tell you how much energy you use and how you can improve the efficiency of your home. Click here for energy efficiency tips and suggestions.

2. Download and read the Small Wind Electric Systems – a Utah Consumer’s Guide (U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, WPA)

You can also learn a lot from people who have installed wind on their home. Read an article from a family in Alpine, Utah with a small wind turbine system.

3. Contact installers
It is important 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 (for single residential home, small businesses, ranchers and communites), however it is important to ask if they have experience with small wind.
If you are interested in larger wind (for landowners, farmers, ranchers and communities), here is a list of wind industry contacts.

4. Make sure you have a viable wind resource
A good resource will improve the cost-effectiveness and performance of the project.

Check the Utah Renewable Energy Zones Phase I report and the interactive renewable energy zones map for wind measured wind resources, and the UREZ Phase II report for information about transmission.
Contact the Utah State Energy Program; (801) 538-4798
To get a wind measurement device (anemometer), apply for the State Wind Anemometer Loan Program; (801) 538-4798
Purchase or borrow a wind measurement device.

5. Make sure you have enough space
It is necessary to ensure you 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 work with Commission staff on this process. For more information on wind zoning, click here.

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. Write letters to the editor, Op-Eds, or hold public forums to help educate your community about the benefits of wind energy.

7. Contact your utility company
Ask your local utility company about the availability of net metering (connecting your system to the existing power grid) and/or rebate programs. You will likely need to submit an application, and it is best to get approval before the project is completed. Some utility net metering information is available on-line:

8. Select an installer
Once you have determined that wind is right for you, 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. Here is list of solar and wind installers and a list of wind industry contacts.

9. Apply for incentives, as appropriate:

State Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Utility incentives - Below is a list of available utility incentives in Utah; this list may not include all available incentives. Please contact your local utility company (see a list of Utah utilities here: to inquire about available incentives.
- Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky Community Renewable Energy Grants
- City of St. George - Solar and Wind Rebate Program
Summary of all State and Federal Incentives - Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy