Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business

[DJ Bolivia]

Wind Power: Renewable Energy For Home, Farm, And Business, by Paul Gipe
I own quite a number of books on harnessing wind energy, because some day I’d like to start a wind farm.  This is by far the best.  Most books are detailed technical manuals, but this one is a layman’s guide that covers everything possible you would want to know, short of differential calculus equations to determine theoretical power transfer in various systems.  This book is one that you can read comfortably without getting too bogged down in technical details (although extensive equations and charts are there for those who want to learn the background science).  It has tons of really good quality photos, and brings in real-life examples from around the world.  I had no idea how fully developed the wind power industry was, and this book actually got me excited about becoming more involved.

As a write this, I'm only a week away from signing a land purchase agreement for 330 acres to start my wind farm.  I'll start another thread in an appropriate section to talk about that, once things start really rolling.

[BonaFide]

Wow that sounds pretty cool, can I ask where you bought so much land? (how much $$ approx?) Do you intend to set up a wind farm to sell power to the grid or other neighbors?

[JurisDoctorOfDoom]

Wind Power: Renewable Energy For Home, Farm, And Business, by Paul Gipe
I own quite a number of books on harnessing wind energy, because some day I’d like to start a wind farm.  This is by far the best.  Most books are detailed technical manuals, but this one is a layman’s guide that covers everything possible you would want to know, short of differential calculus equations to determine theoretical power transfer in various systems.  This book is one that you can read comfortably without getting too bogged down in technical details (although extensive equations and charts are there for those who want to learn the background science).  It has tons of really good quality photos, and brings in real-life examples from around the world.  I had no idea how fully developed the wind power industry was, and this book actually got me excited about becoming more involved.

As a write this, I'm only a week away from signing a land purchase agreement for 330 acres to start my wind farm.  I'll start another thread in an appropriate section to talk about that, once things start really rolling.

Yes, by all means do so. In fact, that type of thing might be worth a dairy type thread where you give us some insight into the process a couple times a week. (or whatever time permits) I suspect there are many LATOC readers to whom starting a wind farm would be of interest.

[DJ Bolivia]

The land was purchased in Atlantic Canada.  Total cost was $120,000. 

Ultimately, yes, I'd like to sell power to our provincial power utility.  My province is fairly far behind the curve, but the government is encouraging development in a big way, and there are about 17 commercial wind power projects currently in development which should go online within two to three years.  I've been doing some research and entered into dialogues with various officials and agencies.  I don't expect a lot to start happening until early next summer, but at least I'm getting started, albeit slowly.

Sure, I can start posting information.  There won't be a lot at first, but at some point within the next several weeks I'll post everything I've learned and dealt with to date, and try to keep it current after that.

[Leaf]

In a post peak world I think of the haves and the have nots..You will be in the Haves and many people I imagine will be dependant on you and your wind farm..Unless your local gov goes communistic and you will then be a Kulac and sent to a camp.

[Teotwawki]

Micro Hydropower is something worth considering if you have a stream on your property.  The technology is almost identical to wind power except water spins the props instead of wind.  There might be some books on the topic - haven't looked.