Wind is the latest in green trends promoting clean energy that’s good for the environment. You’re now part of a growing awareness that has recognized the advantage of products that both reduce your own CO2 emissions but also make smart economic sense while creating a positive impact within your community. More and more people are exploring, adapting and integrating into their own lifestyles alternative energy products.

Though generating your own energy is just a bump in the road to real cultural change, it’s a step in the right direction that you can physically see a benefit from. Research suggests that micro generation by homes could provide 20% to 30% of all produced electricity by the middle of the century. Wind turbines specifically like SolAir would form a large part of this.

You’ve taken the first step and we’re sure you have a lot of questions about generating your own energy, but getting started is surprisingly simple. Here is a step by step guide to help you get to know the basics.

Determine if Wind is Right For You?

Before investing in a Wind or Solar System you should decide if installing such a solution is the best option for you. The primary factors to consider are annual average wind and solar conditions in your local area. Though micro generation requires less wind and/or solar activity these still play an important role in “how much” energy you could generate and therefore “how soon” you could recap your investment.

You can research local wind speeds via the AWEA website. http://www.awea.org/faq/usresource.html . An additional great research tool is the NOAA website: www.noaa.gov

Get appropriate permission

Check with your local regulating officials for approval of the placement and/or use of any electricity generation equipment. A quick few calls might save you a substantial burden of obtaining permission in the future. Some contacts might include; Homeowner’s associations, building code enforcement agencies, the city, and the public utility company.

Obtaining permission in advance might involve people living in your immediate vicinity. They will be the first to experience your new installation and could be the first to approve or oppose them. An open and friendly approach will hope educate and smooth over any doubts about your installation – and you might inspire them to do the same.

You might be eligible to receive a Grant or Incentive from local, state or federal agencies.

Government has recognized the importance of Alternative Energy in our lives. This increasing awareness by government agencies to be more environmentally friendly, open the door for incentives for communities to generate their own energy. Some incentives are in Tax breaks, direct compensation, utility credits and general product purchase discounts. Each area is specific to the incentives and opportunities that exist. Contacting your local utility company is a great start.

Put energy back into your grid or use a standalone application?

A single small wind turbine or solar system has several general application purposes. The most common is for backup or specific device power. Multiple devices or larger PV applications could generate excess energy that could tie back into your grid system and possibly earn you utility credits or even cash back from your local utility provider.

Off-grid systems are simple and affective when charging a battery system or running a stand alone inverter that might be used to power lights and/or any portable electronic device. Grid-tie system get a little more complex and require professional grid-tie installation from your utility box. Each has a unique advantage and you should closely examine your goals now that you are generating your own energy.

Do you need expensive equipment?

There are many alternative energy manufacturers, suppliers and dealers to point you in the right direction. But the vast amount of information available might be overwhelming to start. Equipment is expensive and buying too much, too little or even the wrong equipment could be a costly mistake. Seek out actual referrals from users of alternative energy products similar to your desired application and results.

The AWEA, http://www.awea.org is a very useful tool in exploring equipment options, industry standards and in getting a start to your education on alternative energy products available.