Farm-Ranch

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Comment by Home Wind Turbine on July 14, 2008 at 4:46am

Understanding Net Metering for Small Wind Turbines & Solar

We get so many calls from folks who want to install a small wind system. One of the top things that customers say is, “I want to save on utility bills and and maybe make some money” So, at WindEnergy7 we try to make this happen for our customers. There are several factors to consider and calculate to see what your wind project can do, financially. Local Utility and State Net Metering policy is one factor that you have to find out about and understand.

Grid-Tie or On-Grid - A term used for energy systems that are connected to the normal utility system of a home or business. With a grid-tie system your system becomes an extension of your existing utility supply. Thus if it is not running, a windmill on a still day, or a solar panel at night, you still have electricity flowing through your meter from the electrical utility, same as normal.

In reverse, a Grid-Tied or On-Grid system will be generating more electrical power than you use, example a windy night with all lights and household appliances are off, your meter actually running backward as you generate clean electricity to the grid that will be used by neighbors and others on the grid.

Net Metering - is the electricity policy for consumers who own wind or solar power generation systems. Net metering is the rules of your state and utility company combined. These rules vary by state AND utility provider, some Read More About Net Metering
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Comment by Dan Gilmore on July 12, 2008 at 8:37am

I live in Michigan and would love to develope small wind farms based on either the cell phone tower models or perhaps along the lines of the mini-storage business models. Any constructive comments are greatly appreciated.


Michigan has some excellent areas for wind power generation. Primarily along the western coast of the lower penisula and the southern coast of the upper penisula. Two major problems facing the industry here and if I am correct nationally, is; 1. The ability to transmit the power over long distances and 2. Getting proper reimbusement from the power companies for the energy created.

I see three opportunities here.

1. Small scale wind generation tied to the electical grids. If we can have cell phone towers, why not wind turbines? Nimby is not an issue in my opinion. Michigan has lots of space.

2. National and state legislation forcing power companies to pay for the energy supplied to the grid.

3. The development of better (more efficient) means of power transmission. It is my understanding that it takes roughly three times the energy produced to transmit for usage. (e.g. If you use 100 watts of energy, 300 watts needs to be produced due to the loss during transmission of that power.) There are obviously many better educated people out there regarding the science involved.

Comment by Home Wind Turbine on July 11, 2008 at 5:44am

Pickens Power Farm-Ranch Group

Comment by Home Wind Turbine on July 11, 2008 at 5:43am

Got an acre? If you have 1 acre of land or more, you are considered a farmer-rancher here. That's because you have enough land to lay down and stand up a small wind turbine. So, that's what this group is about, energy independance for landowners.

Got many acres? Well join up, you can actually erect several windmills and have a wind farm. You don't have to wait for a giant power company or billionaire, I'll help you do it. Start small or go big, as a group we can learn about harnessing windpower for financial and economic benefits. Many have already signed away rights for very little money, not so fast. Let's be sure YOU get the most benefit from wind power possible.

Sound Like You? JOIN UP, Let's Roll.