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Questions to Ask Vendors

Cooperative members interested in installing a small wind system should ask vendors or distributors the following questions:

How reliable is the rated energy output? How did you calculate the output? What wind speeds did you use?

Experts advise ignoring peak output and power curves provided by vendors. Rather, look for the monthly or annual energy numbers—in kilowatt-hours—for the turbine, estimated for the average wind speed that you expect or have measured at your site. If the turbine manufacturer or distributor does not provide energy production estimates, find another manufacturer.

Is the inverter UL listed?

If the inverter is not UL listed, find another vendor. Most utilities require that an inverter have a UL 1741 certification for interconnection with the grid. As part of the certification, the inverter is required to fail open in the absence of power on the grid.

What is the estimated total installed cost?

It is important to know the total installed cost of a wind turbine system to ensure sufficient budgeting for the system. Budget for installation labor expenses as well as the cost of equipment rental, concrete and rebar, electrical components, shipping, and sales tax.

How long is the warranty? What does it cover? Parts? Labor? Can it be extended? If so, what will it cost?

Warranties range from one to five years. The longer the warranty, the better. Make sure the warranty covers labor as well as parts. Cooperative members should ask owners of wind systems purchased from the same vendor about performance and reliability before making a decision on an extended warranty, if available.

If you live in an area that is prone to lightning strikes, you should strongly consider the option of lightning protection. At present, only one U.S. vendor—Abundant Renewable Energy (ARE)—offers such protection with its machine. But third-party vendors can design and install adequate protection systems.

What are your credintials? How long have you been in business? how many turbines have you sold? Have your turbines been certified?

Look for vendors that have been in business for at least five years, or have acquired the product line of another vendor. In addition, cooperative members should ask the vendor for the names of at least two people who have installed a wind turbine that is the same as, or similar to, the model the cooperative member is interested in.

Currently, there is no U.S. small wind certification process, but small wind turbines can be certified using the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard—IEC 61400-2—for testing wind turbine power performance. This standard is increasingly used by U.S. manufacturers in their wind turbine designs.

Dedicated to exceeding member's expectations for safe, reliable, efficient service while being a good citizen in our communities.

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1800 West Washington Street 

P.O. Box 440

Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

To REPORT AN OUTAGE CALL

319-385-1577 | 866-242-4232

Access Energy Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3275 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD).

©2023 Access Energy Cooperative. Safe, reliable, efficient service and a good citizen in our communities.

  • Home
  • My Cooperative
    • About AEC
      • About Us
      • Our Staff
      • Board of Directors
        • How to Run for the Board of Directors
          • Nomination Process Begins for 2021 Board Election
      • Monthly Magazine
      • Service Area
      • Annual Meeting
        • Election of Directors
      • Cooperative Principles
      • Where Does Your Power Come From?
      • History of Co-ops
      • About Touchstone Energy
      • Employment Opportunities
    • Policies
      • Articles of Incorporation
      • By-Laws
      • E-Business Privacy Policy
      • Identity Theft Protection
      • Privacy Policy
      • Rights and Remedies
      • Statement of Nondiscrimination
    • Member Info
      • Dividends
        • Treasure Hunt
      • What does it mean to be a member?
  • Your Account
    • Payment Options
      • Bank Draft
      • Budget Billing
      • Credit/Debit Card Payments
      • Payment Drop Box
    • Billing
      • Your Meter
      • Questions About Your Bill
    • IA Energy Assist Program (LIHEAP)
    • Moving/Address Changes
    • Rates
    • Dividends
  • Residential & Business
    • Residential
      • Residential Rebates
      • Rates
      • Products Available
      • Financing
      • Energy Audits
      • Energy Saving Ideas
    • Business
      • Business Rebates
      • Rates - Commercial & Industrial
      • Power Quality
      • Services
        • Business Energy Audits
        • Thermal Imaging
        • Questline
        • Business Energy Advisor
        • BizConnections
        • Energy Saving Ideas
  • Safety
    • General
      • Blinking Lights
      • Restoring Power
      • Safety Tips
      • Maintenance Programs
      • Safety Equipment
      • Safety Quiz
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Safety Policies and Procedures
      • Grain Bin Clearance
      • Tree Trimming
      • Call Before You Dig!
  • Community
    • Legislation
      • Current Legislative Issues
      • National Legislative Issues
      • Contact Your Legislators
    • Economic Development
      • Economic Development Partners
      • Revolving Loan Fund
    • News
      • Coop News
  • Co-op Programs
    • Programs for Youth
      • Access Energy Cooperative Scholarship Program
      • Summer Work and Internships
      • Youth Tour Contest
      • Kids Zone
    • Tools For Schools
      • Teachers Zone
      • Get Charged!
      • Safety Demonstrations
    • General
      • Photo Contest
      • RECare
      • Co-op Connections
      • Together We Save
      • Lineworker Scholarship Application
    • International Assistance
  • Going Green
    • General
      • A Balanced Fuel Mix Promotes Power Reliability
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Energy Saving Ideas
      • Programs to Help You Save Energy
      • Access to Green Energy Program
      • Environmental Partners
      • Rebates and Low Interest Loans
      • Solar Energy Generation
    • Wind Energy Info
      • Questions to Ask Vendors
      • Small Wind Systems
      • Tariff Requirements
      • Ten Steps to Wind Systems
      • Wind FAQs
  • Outage Center