Should you build your own small wind electric system?

With more and more wind energy turbines being built in Minnesota, many Dakota Electric members are asking, “Can I use wind energy to power my home or business?”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a small wind electric system can provide you with a practical source of electricity if:

• your property has a good wind resource
• your home or business is located on at least one acre of land in a rural area
• your local zoning codes or covenants allow wind turbines
• your average electric bills are $150 per month or more
• your property is in a remote location that does not have easy access to utility lines
• you can determine how much electricity you need or want to produce
• it works for you economically
• you are comfortable with long-term investments.

The DOE Wind Powering America Home Page includes information about determining if there is enough wind on your site, zoning issues, wind turbine sizing and costs, finding installation and maintenance support, connecting to the utility grid and much more.

If a small wind electric system is not practical for your needs, you can still help increase the amount of wind power being developed in Minnesota by signing up for Dakota Electric’s voluntary Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy® program. To sign up for Wellspring, click here.

Wind Utility Intertie Systems

For more information about wind utility intertie systems read this Natural Energy Systems, Inc. publication.

Learn more about wind energy

Interconnections using inverters that are 40kW or less
The following documents are to be used for interconnections using an inverter that is 40kW or less. To coordinate an installation, please contact our Generation Interconnection Coordinator.

To request the following documents in a printed packet, please e-mail Verne Frandrup or call 651-463-6276. You may also open and print the entire wind packet (27 pages, includes the PDF files below) yourself. Please read our cover letter for more information and some helpful Web sites to visit.

Dakota Electric DG Interconnection Application for Inverter 40kW or Less
Dakota Electric DG Interconnection Process for Inverter 40kW or Less
Dakota Electric DG Interconnection Requirements for Inverter 40kW or Less
Uniform Generation Contract

Notice to cogenerators
Please read this important information.