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Wind siting varies slightly whether considering a vertical axis wind turbines--see above; or a conventional horizontal axis wind turbine.
For starters, you need sufficient wind to meet the
manufacturer's specifications...the larger the wind mill, the more wind you will need. The larger the mill, the bigger the
blades and turning radius. Smaller bladed mills will turn faster at lower wind speeds.
Normally a wind mill needs between 15 and 28 mph to produce sufficient power to justify their acquisition.
A wind assessment will provide a 'snap-shot' appraisal which depending on the
site, may require an anonmeter analysis to determine tower height, and approximate power production from a given wind turbine.
There are also site considerations relative to types of towers--monopole, lattice
tower, poles, anchors, and conduit runs; turbulence; wind direction and velocity over an annual cycle; and integration into
a home power system.
There is now model wind mill siting ordinances which
are being adapted by several towns in Maine.
The avg. cost for
a 2 KW windmill is approx. $20,000; half of which is for the tower.
Ideally,
one should have a windy location, no obstructions so that the lowest height tower can be erected.
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