|
There are some really good maps of wind energy potential available, but it still takes some knowledge and on-site study to determine how tall the tower must be (usually at least 80 feet, often 100 to 120 feet or even taller). Often the cost of an anemometer isn't justified on anything less than a wind farm sized machine, as an anemometer and the tower needed to get it up 90 or more feet is a sizable percentage of what a potential wind generator and tower will cost. In my opinion, you aren't going to get much of a wind machine for less than $20k installed with tower, and one capable of powering a house may be $50k to $80k or more. Conservation methods in the home have a great payback if you are planning to use wind or solar to generate electricity.
As IndyIan mentioned, a rule of thumb is to be at least 30 feet above anything within 500 feet of the tower.
|