Wind Energy Assessment: How Much Can You Save with Wind Power?

Wind turbines generate electricity for your building. Commercial properties have the distinct advantage of having roof lines higher above the ground, capable of capturing faster winds. Generally speaking, the higher you mount the turbine, the more wind you can produce. Wind also occurs around the clock, unlike solar energy, allowing you to produce electricity at night.

A wind assessment allows us to project the amount of wind you may realize and, through various calculations, project potential electricity production levels.

Wind Speeds and Elevation

The largest factors in wind production are the amount of winds typically in your area, the speed of those winds and the elevation of the wind turbine. Current small turbines allow you to produce up to 2.5Kw of electricity per turbine. Remember that turbines work throughout the day and night, and any unused electricity can be sold back to the utilities.

Wind turbines are generally pole mounted. Given the elevation of your building, they may operate just feet above the roofline. Because they are relatively compact and are spaced apart, this leaves tremendous amounts of room for other clean energy technologies, such as solar heating tubes and solar PV.

Clean Energy Tax Credits & Incentives

The federal, state and local governments offer varying tax credits, incentives and other benefits for installing clean energy. The federal government, for example, will credit you for 30% of the cost of the system and give you accelerated depreciation on the entire cost of that system. The savings here are tremendous. States, local governments and utilities may also have programs. Because they change so often, our experts can advise you as to which programs are available for your locations.

Direct Cost Savings from Wind Power

While clean energy technologies include tax credits, accelerated depreciation and other benefits, do not forget the direct cost savings of producing your own electricity. Electricity produced is electricity you do not have to buy. The cost savings on your utility bills can be significant, and will of course vary based on the sytems you choose, wind conditions in your area and other criteria. Again, our experts can sit with you and advise you on the potential savings.

Clean Energy Attracts Tenants

In today's world, tenants are very sensitive to clean energy. Some want green buildings because of the impact on the environment. Others are strongly opposed to our dependency on foreign oil. Still others want green energy to avoid the toxins associated with the pollution fossil fuels produce. Whatever their motivation, you have the opportunity to attract tenants who are clean energy focused, giving you the edge over 98% of buildings that have yet to "go green."

Equipment costs are down, tax incentives are up and tenant demand is high. Isn't this the time you should consider adding wind and other clean energy technologies to your buildings?