There are a few different ways to get an idea of the average wind speed in your area.
If you're in the United States, the quickest way to determine the average wind speed in your area is to consult the online wind maps from Wind Power America. You will have to choose your state and then click on the thumbnail graphic to view the full-sized wind map for your state. You will want to record the number in your region measured in meters per second (m/s).
If you're not in the United States and your country doesn't have a wind map that is easily accessible to you, local airports often measure and record average wind speeds. Even if you are in the U.S., it might be worthwhile to consult the wind speeds recorded by a nearby airport and compare it to the numbers provided by the wind map.
The third approach to recording the average wind speed in your area is to take wind measurements yourself or pay a wind consultant to do it. For most residential wind power systems, the cost of taking wind measurements is probably not justified. The wind maps U.S. Department of Energy is sufficient for an experienced evaluator to predict wind turbine performance. In very hilly or mountainous areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your site is not in a sheltered area.
Interested in residential wind power? Considered building your own turbine?
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