Guidelines for Use

THE WIND SPEED AND TURBINE OUTPUT ESTIMATES PRESENTED HERE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ACTUAL WIND SPEEDS AND TURBINE OUTPUTS AT YOUR SITE MAY VARY.

The estimated wind speeds presented in this tool are taken from the current version of the Wisconsin Wind Map. This map is based on a computer model, and is only intended to give a general idea of average wind speeds across the state. It is not intended to be used to evaluate the suitability of a particular site for a wind turbine installation. The actual average wind speed at your site may be higher or lower than is predicted by the Wisconsin Wind Map. In addition, local conditions such as the obstructions caused by buildings, trees, and local topography will have a large impact on wind speeds at any particular site.

The estimated turbine outputs presented in this tool are based on the turbine manufacturers' own estimates, which in general have not been independently verified, and the Focus on Energy makes no claim as to their accuracy.

In short, the wind speed and turbine output values presented here should be taken as rough estimates, and should in no way be interpreted as a guarantee of the average wind speed or the average output of a particular wind turbine at your site.

Focus on Energy recommends that you get a wind site assessment before you install a wind turbine at your property. A Focus on Energy site assessment is required if you wish to apply for a Cash-back Reward or Implementation Grant for a wind system. The results obtained from this estimator tool may not be used as a substitute for a Focus on Energy wind site assessment. More information about site assessments is available in the Renewable Energy section of this website.

For smaller wind systems (up to 20kW capacity), the site assessment is generally all that is recommended in terms of site analysis before a turbine is installed. For systems of capacity 100kW and larger, in addition to a commercial site assessment, a wind resource study would usually be recommended. Such a study would include tall-tower wind monitoring for a period of at least a full year, along with an analysis of the resulting data by a qualified professional. For turbines with capacities in the 35kW - 90kW range, wind monitoring may be recommended along with the site assessment, depending on the topography near the site and the availability of nearby wind data. Businesses and organizations may be eligible for a Focus on Energy Feasibility Study Grant to help defray the cost of wind monitoring - more information about these grants is available on our website.

The information, maps, and data contained in these pages is intended to be used for general informational purposes only. The Wisconsin Focus on Energy makes no guarantee as to the fitness of the information, maps, and data contained in these pages for any other purpose. The use of the contents of these pages for any purpose other than for general information is solely at the risk of the user. Neither the Wisconsin Focus on Energy nor any other party connected with this website or with the making of the Wisconsin Wind Map may be held liable for any loss, damage or other consequence resulting from the use of the information, maps, and data contained in these pages.

By clicking on the "I agree" button below, the user agrees that he or she has read the caution statements above and agrees to the conditions regarding the use of this website.