Generating Your Own Renewable Power
Q: I am considering generating my own wind power—what do I need to know?
A: The following sites contain great information for homeowners interested in residential wind power:
- Wind Power for the Homeowner
If you are a homeowner considering using wind turbines to power your home, there are a number of considerations. This site will help you decide if a wind system is practical for you. - American Wind Energy Association
AWEA's website has information on small wind systems, and can tell you what you need to know to purchase a residential wind system.
Q: I am considering generating my own solar power—what do I need to know?
A: The following organizations can set you on the path toward your own residential solar power system:
- The National Renewable Energy Labs has an excellent primer on the basics of solar power.
- Find Solar provides information on installers in your area.
- Solar Energy International is a great clearinghouse for information on solar.
- Colorado Solar Energy Industry Association
COSEIA lists members and certified equipment providers on their website. - Colorado Renewable Energy Society
CRES, the local chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, is a non-profit group whose mission is to promote the interchange of ideas with others, actively petition the legislature to promote sustainable energy and environmental policies, and provide an educational forum for its members, developers, architects, and the citizens of Colorado. - Home Power Magazine provides information for do-it-youselfers on various home retrofits for renewable energy.
- Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC): CRC’s objective is to provide programs and services that empower individuals to turn natural resource conservation beliefs into action in their daily lives.
Q: How can I afford renewable energy or greater energy efficiency?
A:Rebates, tax credits and financing opportunities are available. National programs are listed in this DOE website, state-based incentive program can be identified at the DSIRE site, but also check with local power utilities and city governments for local programs.
Q: How can I make my home or business more energy efficient?
A: The federal Energy Savers.gov website is an excellent springboard for making you home or business more energy efficient, as is the Alliance to Save Energy. We suggest contacting local and state agencies where you live for additional efficiency tips and incentives for you area, such as the Colorado Governor's Energy Office for Colorado residents and businesses.
Wind Power Generation for Rural Landowners
The most important thing you can do as a landowner regarding wind energy is to educate yourself, be knowledgeable, and stay informed. Here are links to websites with information for landowners interested in wind energy opportunities.
Windustry (www.windustry.com) — Windustry is a non-profit organization promoting wind energy through outreach, educational materials, and technical assistance to rural landowners, local communities and utilities, and state, regional, and nonprofit collaborations.
For advice on leasing your land for large utility-scale wind development, see Windustry's links on Where to Start on Developing Wind Energy and Leasing Your Land to a Developer.(www.windustry.org/easements/Compensation_Sept2005.pdf)
Wind Farmer's Network (www.windfarmersnetwork.org) is Windustry's interactive forum for farmers interested in developing wind energy projects.
- US Department of Energy - This government site provides general information about wind power development that will help landowners understand the process of developing a wind farm. Click on the DOE program links below for specialized information on getting involved with wind power.
- Windpowering America
- Wind Energy and the Agricultural Community
- Statistical information on Windpower from the Energy Information Agency
- Department of Energy's Windpower and hydropower program
- American Wind Energy Association (www.awea.org) — AWEA is a national trade association that represents wind power plant developers, wind turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants, insurers, financiers, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry—one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world.