Harness Nature Wind FAQs

Q: Will my utility allow me to hook up a wind turbine?
A: Yes. Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) require utilities to connect with and purchase power from small wind energy systems. Harness Nature can help with the required utility company interconnection approvals.
 
Q: What is net metering?
A: Net metering programs allow utility customers to generate their own electricity from renewable resources, such as small wind turbines and rooftop solar systems. The customers send excess electricity back to the utility when their system produces more power than is needed. Customers can also get power from the utility when their systems don’t produce enough power to meet their usage demands. In effect, net metering allows the interconnected customer to use the electrical grid as a storage battery. This helps customers get higher (retail) value for more of their self-generated electricity.
 
Q: Will I have to change any of the wiring at my house, business or farm?
A: No. A wind turbine is easily retrofitted to virtually any building without the need to change any wiring or appliances. In most cases, the utility will install a second meter, or replace the existing meter with one that can measure how much electricity the turbine owner is producing as well as using.
 
Q: What happens if there is a power outage?
A: In accordance to IEEE and UL, small wind turbines will automatically shut down in the event of a power outage, and will not energize a dead power line. This is necessary to protect the lineman working to restore power for the utility.
 
Q: How tall are small wind turbines?
A: Tower heights vary according to wind turbine models, but generally range from 50 to 140ft. In general, the higher the tower, the higher the average wind speed and the less turbulent the wind. Both of these factors will have a positive impact on overall wind energy generation.
 
Q: What about lightning strikes?
A: Lightning strikes do occur and can cause damage to any structure raised from the ground. However, lightning protection is a well-known practice and can be applied to wind turbines as well as for other equipment. Manufacturers include full lightning protection of electrical circuits and other components on some models. Obviously, if the turbine is installed in an area where lightning strikes are frequent, protection against lightning is advisable. Insuring the turbine against lightning damage may be a wise precaution.
 
Q: Do wind turbines make noise or interfere with TV reception?
A: Small wind turbines do make some noise, but not enough to be found objectionable by most people. A typical small wind system makes less noise than the average washing machine. Wind turbines do not interfere with TV reception.
 
Q: Can I get a grant for my wind turbine?
A: Wind turbines qualify for the federal Small Wind Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides tax credits of up to 30% of the total project costs. Farms and rural small businesses can also apply for USDA REAP grants, which pay up to 25% of the total installed cost of a wind project. Some utilities also offer rebates and/or other incentives.
 
Q: Will installing a wind turbine help the environment?
A: Yes. Since wind turbines do not produce pollution you will be offsetting air pollutants and greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and other gases which may cause climate change) that would have been generated by your utility company.
 
Q: Don't I have to take wind measurements for a year or more?
A: For smaller wind systems the cost of taking wind measurements is usually not justified. Wind resource data published by the U.S. Department of Energy is usually sufficient for an experienced evaluator to predict wind turbine performance. In very hilly areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your wind speed data is accurate.
 
Q: How reliable are wind turbines? Will I have to perform much maintenance?
A: Most small wind turbines require little or no maintenance. They are designed for a long life (up to 25 years) and operate with minimal annual maintenance.