A Brief History spanning over 20 years
serving the Utility Industry
20% of our net profits go back into your
schools, youth and family agencies. Learn more here.
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How do we select a Wind Farm?
- My site is windy.
We find it insulting that many wind farm developers don't believe you. We do. You wouldn't be reading this if you didn't have faith in the power of the wind on your land.
To improve relationships between the capital and your windy land, we have data spanning 50 years for most of the U.S. and
many nations overseas. Some investment firms and wind developers use this aspect to 'stall you' for years, citing a need for long studies.
As our V.P. who has run wind farms for 20 years says "Look at the trees. Tops bent? They've got wind." You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out.
Many wind farm developers won't build in locations where winds
are less than 16 - 17 MPH. We do: as oil prices continue to
rise, your windy land becomes even more valuable. We have to
perform some studies to match our data to your land, but instead
of 1 to 2 years, usually 3 months is sufficient.
- I don't have any nearby transmission lines.
Not a problem. Many investors we work with are glad to build
them and pave a path for the power to your local towns and
cities in your communities. The trick is to insure your local utility
company is ready for the 'green power' and your involvement helping us
organize local grass root support is a key to challenging them when they
refuse to buy the power we make on your land.
- My land is pretty small.
Again, not a problem if you and your neighbors are willing to "pony up" enough land to form a section. In some instances, a half section will work. It has to be pretty windy to look at anything less than that.
- Community Meetings help everyone.
Some wind farm developers use this for educational purposes, but many wind farm developers use these to get you to sign a document preventing you from entering into a lease with anyone else. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING. Get the facts. Shop around. Take your time and make an intelligent decision that can affect you, your children and generations to come.
- Sign a Lease Option
Before we enter into a lease, we'd like 1 - 2 years to study the property and make sure there isn't an endangered species, plant life or some other problem that would prevent you from having a wind farm.
- Begin a formal survey of the property
Taking GPS readings, checking soil compaction and other tests help us develop the engineering reports for your project and where the turbines will go.
- Purchase Wind Meters
Some wind farm developers take a year or more to measure your winds. HUH?!? We've worked with NASA and have data and staff to make a determination, often in as little as 3 months from the time the meters are installed.
- Pay for an EIR (Environmental Impact Report)
At the same time we purchase the wind meters, biologists, chemists, geologists and other environmental
scientists will be visiting the property to make sure it passes inspection so we can obtain the State, Federal and Local permits to build the wind farm.
- Build the pads, substation and grid
Once we are certain your wind farm is a go, we begin laying in the copper to enhance the local grid and building the substation while we wait for turbines. Most wind farm developers require a minimum of 3 to 4 years to obtain turbines. Due to a close relationship with GE, we can accelerate this process with early delivery (no guarantee) of some of your turbines to get you up and flying with 12 - 18 months. While waiting for turbines, we have ground crews building substations, pads for the turbines and trenching across easements with the transmission lines, as well as pouring concrete foundations for the substation and each turbine.
Construction can take as little as six months or as long as two years. Much of that
depends on the availability of copper and turbines, which can take up to two years to obtain.
Also local concrete suppliers, cranes and other heavy equipment affect construction lead times, since we prefer to work with local firms and hire locally; again, to improve your local economy.
In severe instances, we bring equipment to the site, but this increases the costs
of the project, especially in overseas installations. Once your project is signed,
our Reps are focused on handling this and a variety of tasks to get your project up
and running as soon as possible.
Please contact us if you have
questions or need further assistance.
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