The Energy Trust of Oregon recently introduced the Small Wind program to help Oregonians install small wind turbines up to 50 kilowatts (KW), providing cash incentives up to $35,000 for residential customers and $60,000 for commercial customers. Energy Trust incentives, combined with the state energy tax credit, allow Oregon landowners to offset up to 50 percent of the cost of a turbine.

“Small wind is an opportunity for rural Oregonians to generate renewable energy on a human scale,” says Alan Cowan, Energy Trust’s renewable energy program manager. “With proper siting, wind turbines can generate, on average, most or even more electricity than is consumed at a small ranch or family farm.”

A 10-KW turbine would generate an average of 900 KW-hours or more each month, which is about what a typical Oregon home uses during that time, according to Cowan.

Oregon customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power are eligible to participate in the Small Wind program. To receive the Small Wind incentive, customers must own a site with annual average wind speeds of at least 10 miles per hour and have no obstructions such as trees or buildings. The turbine tower must be at least 60 feet high and have a one-acre surrounding area.

To receive the incentive, Energy Trust must pre-approve all systems and equipment prior to installation, systems must be installed by an Energy Trust Small Wind Trade Ally, and the system must be connected to the local utility grid and be net metered.