Residential wind power not only helps homeowners adopt renewable energy habits and do their part in reducing the release of harmful greenhouse gases, but they also reap the benefits of saving money on their electrical bills.

W 101 Introduction to Wind Systems (Check Schedule)

Course Description

This one-day workshop is the introductory workshop to MREA wind systems training and is a prerequisite for all other MREA wind workshops. It is designed as the first step in a professional track or for people who have an interest in residential size wind systems for their home or business. The workshop will define wind energy, describe how residential wind energy systems work, and provide a basis for making informed decisions about the design, sizing, and siting of wind energy systems. As part of the workshop, participants receive the MREA Introduction to Wind Systems Training Manual.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Identify the component of a wind energy systems and describe their function
• Use the wind power equation to generally define proper wind system design and siting, including generator type, tower placement and tower height
• Differentiate between wind energy system designs, including collector types, speed control strategies, and tower types and describe their benefits and drawbacks
• Describe wind energy system types and variations including utility intertie w/o batteries, utility intertie w/ batteries, stand alone, and wind/PV hybrid systems
• Use local and web-based data sources to define the wind resource in a given area
•  Compare and contrast common wind generator and explain differences between rated and actual energy production
• Use electrical load, wind resource, and production data to size a wind energy system
• List and explain system siting strategies used to maximize wind quantity and quality
• Apply appropriate siting strategies to determine a suitable site for a wind energy system

W 201 Wind Site Assessor Training (Check Schedule)

Course Description

This workshop will help participants learn how to evaluate a site’s wind energy potential, determine wind speeds at proposed heights, make a load profile for a client’s energy needs, determine appropriate tower heights, and estimate kWh output for a system based upon wind resources. The training will lead participants through the background information required to perform wind site assessments for the Focus on Energy program and other state incentive programs, for the home or business owner to assess their site, and for taking the Wind Site Assessor Certification Test. Recommended for professionals looking to begin in the wind business, beginner wind dealers, educators, and homeowners. Prerequisite: Intro to Wind Energy Systems.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct a basic electrical load and energy use analysis
• Make energy efficiency recommendations
• Determine the minimum acceptable tower height for the site
• Evaluate the site’s wind energy potential and determine wind speed at the proposed tower height
• Make recommendations for a renewable energy systems and towers to meet the client’s needs
• Estimate kWh outputs for the proposed systems based on the wind resource
• Provide information and guidance on appropriate siting and location for a wind energy system
• Provide a general cost estimate for the system
• Provide a list of the next steps in installing a wind energy system, including permitting, utility interface, insurance, potential dealers or installers, and funding opportunities