Northern Power 100

Northern Power Arctic

Northern Power 2.2

Wind for Schools Program

Turbine Configuration

Company Press Releases

Community Wind Basics

WIND POWER STEP BY STEP

Community Wind Power Basics

Common Applications

Case Studies

Northwind 100

Project Economics

:: Fed ITC & Depreciation FAQ (PDF)

Step by Step

:: Wind Power Basics

:: FAQ

:: Wind Terms

:: Quick Links

:: Benefits

A Step by Step Overview of Wind Power

Installing a Northwind 100 wind turbine involves several steps which address site-specific project issues that impact the approach and cost. In many ways, the process is not unlike developing a home site where you have to take into account many variables from siting to permitting to utility connections. Outlined below is the series of steps that your wind project will move through and the details surrounding each of the steps.

Pre-Feasibility

Prior to investing any money into your wind project, it is important to identify your wind resource and utility rate which can help you determine whether or not your intended project makes for a viable wind site. With some basic information provided by you to Northern, our team can craft an initial pre-feasibility report that would offer preliminary wind, energy cost and financial analysis estimates. This initial data should help inform your decision to move forward with your Northwind 100 project

Feasibility

For community wind projects that involve the installation of one or two Northwind 100 wind turbines, it is not necessary to expend the resources for an expansive feasibility study that a wind farm developer might utilize for a multi-million dollar project.

Nevertheless, it is prudent to investigate the following items:

Identify federal, state, and local incentives available
Identify all required permits
Validate the wind resource
Verify current and anticipated electrical usage patterns at the site
Identify utility interconnection requirements

Engineering

As soon as your turbine project is deemed a “go,” it is important to start all the permitting and financing paperwork that is needed. One must develop the project plan sufficiently to support permit applications, incentive grant applications, and the utility interconnection application. Completing civil and electrical system engineering will provide the project with the plans and specifications needed to solicit competitive bids form local suppliers and contractors for the installation work.

The time required for this step can vary dramatically, depending on zoning and permitting requirements. If zoning commission hearings are required with public comment periods, its important to identify that need during the feasibility phase and plan for it. likewise, engaging the local utility regarding the project should be handled as soon as possible as this often has a significant impact on the time and requirements of the project. In general, the longer the process, the more expensive it can be.

Construction

Once your wind project is deemed feasible it is time to purchase your Northwind 100 wind turbine. Due to Northern's six month lead time, you should order the major equipment as soon as permits are in hand or are reasonably close to being finalized and financing is in place.

With your turbine ordered it is time to commence the construction phase of your wind project. This step inherently carries the greatest degree of variation because of how varied local permitting requirements can be, how varied site condition can be, and variation in utility interconnection requirements. For instance, site work for foundations may be limited to just clearing a flat spot and digging a hole. Or, in some cases, it may entail creating drainage, retention walls or adding landscaping plans. Your foundation plan can also vary depending on soil conditions. Swampy or rocky sites may require piling or blasting and rock bolting a foundation.

Operations and Maintenance

Equipment installation is relatively straightforward and can take as little as two or three days to erect your Northwind 100 turbine. Your utility will then need to inspect the installation and make sure that it meets testing requirements before it connects your new power source to the grid. Once complete, you will be the proud owner of a Northwind 100 community wind turbine and its numerous benefits will be realized immediately.

As any other capital investment, it will be important for your to consider your regular preventative maintenance schedule and remote monitoring needs. Northern Power Systems i committed to providing our customers a range of advanced support services that ensure optimal turbine operation. Learn more about our service offerings.