United States Wind Resource Map

Wind energy systems generate electricity by using turbines to capture the wind’s energy. Many locations in the United States have good wind resources. Evaluating the quality of the wind resource at a specific site is critical to determining if it is suitable. Before making any investment decision, companies should commission a professional wind study, which evaluates the quality and consistency of a site’s wind resource potential. This information also allows a company to evaluate whether the wind will be blowing when power is needed most. In addition to obtaining a wind study, investors must research a number of other issues, including:

• Zoning restrictions and permitting requirements
• Environmental impacts
• Grid interconnection requirements
• Net metering regulations
• Existence of and qualifying criteria for incentives