A wind energy system transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use. Wind electric turbines generate electricity for homes and businesses and for sale to utilities. It's a simple and increasingly popular technology.
Most people are very familiar with giant wind turbines and large wind farms that sprawl across ridgetops, but more and more companies are turning to smaller-scale wind projects - known as "small wind" - as part of their renewable energy portfolio.
The United States leads the world in the production of small wind turbines, which have rated capacities of 100 kilowatts and less. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are most common today. They are also the most reliable and proven source of wind power in use today.
Half of the land mass in the U.S. has sufficient wind to make a small turbine economically viable. The Department of Energy measures wind power on a scale from 1 to 7. Winds of at least Class 2 (annual wind speeds averaging 9.8-11.5 mph), are usually suitable for small wind electricity generation.
Electricity generated by a small or mid-sized wind turbine can directly reduce a company's usage of the traditional power grid.
In some cases, electricity generated by a small wind project may exceed a company's demands. When that happens, the excess electricity is fed back into the power grid, where it is mixed with electricity from other power plants and delivered to utility customers. Through a purchase power agreement or a lease-back agreement, companies can sell the electricity they produce to the utility provider.
Many areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania are suitable for small wind power projects. However, before any wind power project is undertaken, a feasibility study of up to 12 months is undertaken. Financing for wind power studies is available. Contact CAN DO for more information.
(Sources: American Council on Renewable Energy; American Wind Energy Association;)
To learn more about wind and its possibilities in our region, please check out the following resources:
- Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States
- Pennsylvania Annual Average Wind Power
- Pennsylvania Wind Map (by Conservation Consultants, Inc.)
CAN DO Certified Providers
Community Energy has a 10-year track record of renewable energy development, resulting in billions of dollars of new energy investment. CEI is a long-term licensed retail provider in Pennsylvania and is experienced in renewable energy credit (REC) management.
Community Energy On-Site Wind assists our commercial and institutional customers in developing on-site wind projects. The company can provide turnkey solutions or wind power Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leasing on a project-by-project basis.
To date, CEI has developed more than 700 megawatts of wind energy and is part-owner of 31.5 megawatts of wind energy.
Become a CAN DO Certified Provider
CAN DO Energy Solutions Certified Providers in Wind Power are needed. Contact CAN DO today to learn how to become a Certified Provider.
