The Crucial Stuff!

If the ballpark cost is affordable for your situation, you’ll now need to go through the steps below to determine if there are any “showstoppers” that might prevent you from installing a turbine in your area. For each step, refer to the link at right to learn more about the issue. It is important to consider these before proceeding with the detailed planning process in Stage 3.

Step 1: Ballpark cost Is a small wind turbine in your price range? Estimate the cost of a small wind turbine for your application, and determine if this cost falls within an acceptable price range. (For more information, see Ballpark Cost)

Step 2: Reducing electricity use Have you reduced your electricity demand first? Saving a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity is almost always cheaper than producing one!  Make sure that you have taken steps to reduce your energy use before looking into a small wind turbine. This will save you money and likely reduce the size of turbine you would require! (For more information, see Energy Efficiency First)

Step 3: Zoning  Are you allowed to put up a small wind turbine on your property? In some cases, installation of small wind turbines is not allowed due to legal restrictions relating to zoning. Before proceeding, make sure that you are legally allowed to erect a small wind turbine on your property. (For more information, see Legal & Regulatory Issues)

Step 4: Consulting the neighbours Will your neighbours accept having a wind turbine near them? Your neighbours may not be familiar or comfortable with the idea of having a small wind turbine installed in their vicinity. Make sure to consult with them to ensure that they understand what you are doing, and that they would not be opposed to a small wind turbine installation. Opposition from neighbours on the grounds of aesthetics or noise can slow or even stop your project. (For more information, see Social, Environmental, and Other Considerations)

Step 5: Finding an appropriate site Is your property suitable for putting up a turbine free of obstructions? Small wind turbines should only be installed in a location far from dwellings, and clear of any major obstructions. You need to be sure you are able to site your turbine in an area of your property that is far enough away from buildings, treetops and other obstructions. (For more information, see Your Turbine Site)

Step 6: Ability to go on-grid (if applicable) If you need to connect your turbine to the grid, are you allowed and able to? In some regions of Canada, you are allowed to connect a small wind turbine to the main electricity grid.  If you want to connect, you need to ensure that your utility allows “net metering” (For more information, see On- or Off-Grid?)

After considering the above crucial issues, are you still interested in purchasing and installing a small wind turbine? 
 Yes! Take me to Stage 3 for the remainder of the planning process! 
 No, Small wind isn’t for me right now (back to Small Wind homepage)