Wind energy is closely tied to solar energy. High Plains Wind Energy uses wind turbines and a variety of solar panels, individually or in an integrated system, to capture the energy of solar radiation and wind and put it to work for all of us.

Using modern projection methods combined with knowledge acquired from decades of others' experience in installations, we can design systems for almost anyone that will both reduce their power bills and reduce negative effects on the world around them.

How does a wind turbine work to provide electricity?

The wind turbine, like a large propeller or pinwheel, is installed atop a tower. The wind spins it, rotating a shaft which turns a generator -- much like the generator/alternator in your car -- converting the wind energy into electricity.

The electricity can be fed into your utility company's power grid (at a breaker box) or into a storage battery system, or both. The electricity must go to a receptacle (power grid or storage battery) and converted to standard voltage and amperage before it can be utilized by your home or business electrical appliances.

If the wind is blowing at less than 7 mph, the turbine produces no electricity, and you must draw from the grid or battery (receptacle). As the wind speed increases, more and more electricity is produced by the turbine, and it replaces the power you draw from the receptacle. If your turbine is feeding into the grid, you reduce your utility bill by whatever power you feed the grid in excess of that you use personally. Most residential-type systems do not use a battery storage system.

Typically, a wind turbine lowers a residential electric bill by 50%-90%.

How big a unit would I need for my home?

Homes typically use 1000-2000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. A kilowatt-hour is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by burning a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.

The Bergey 10 kW turbine is the best selling residential unit in the US. Its rotor blade track is 23 feet in diamter. It's usually installed on a tower 80-100 feet tall.

Should I consider buying one?

We recommend that you have at least one acre of property around your house. Consider that you will be erecting a 100-foot tower and placing guy lines angling out from the tower to stabilize it in the wind. (Towers without guy lines are available, too.)

We recommend that you have at least a 10 mph average wind and that you currently are buying electricity at 10¢ or more per kilowatt-hour. If you live in South Dakota, you can check the wind speed map below. Below the map are links to other states' wind speed maps. Information more specific to your exact location is available.

For most potential buyers, these US Dept. of Energy measurements very reliably predict wind availability. If your house is in a hilly area, further data should be gathered before you invest.

South Dakota law provides property tax exemptions for renewable energy systems producing energy for residential or commercial use by the owner of the property using the energy. (SDCL 10-6-35.8 through 10-6-35.20)

Why is a wind turbine beneficial to the environment?

Wind turbines produce no pollution. When you use wind power, you are reducing the pollution otherwise caused by production of the energy by the utility company. Over a 30-year period (the nominal life expectance for a Bergey turbine), a Bergey 10 kW turbine will offest about 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases. Immediately reduce your environmental footprint.

Maintenance? Reliability?

Bergey wind turbines are the most reliable on the market, and Bergey sells more residential systems than any other company. Bergey turbines have only four moving parts; they require no regular maintenance.

After a 66-month test of a 10 kW unit, Wisconsin Power & Light concluded, "The turbine's reliability could not be improved upon." Bergey turbines are designed to last at least 30 years. They operate automatically throughout their life.

Noise? Interference with TV or radio?

Small wind turbines are audible when spinning. Most people do not find the level of noise objectionable. Wind turbines don't interfere with TV or radio reception.

Will my utility company object?

Federal regulations (PURPA) require utilities to allow you to install a wind generator, and to pay you for power you produce in excess of that you use. High Plains Wind Energy can help you arrange approvals from your utility company.

Will I have to change my house wiring?

No.

Typical wind and solar inverter gear, 
including control box and system use recorders 

Is this a good investment?

High Plains Wind Energy can go over your utility bills with you and make a projection based on average winds at your location.

A typical 10 kW installation costs about $30,000-$35,000. Usually, a system recoups its investment in less than 15 years. After that, the electricity you receive is essentially free.

An installation almost always improves the value of your home. Also, many people buy a system while they are working, so they can enjoy free electricity after retirement.

How can I learn more about the potential for wind energy for my situation?

Call 605-722-8006 or email High Plains Wind Energy.