Wind Energy Equipment Information
First, keep in mind that as a government-sponsored program, we cannot recommend or endorse any products or services. But we do think it's important to provide some information about wind energy equipment to those interested in installing this equipment. Much of the the information can also be found through Internet search engines (such as Google or Yahoo).
One very good reference is the "Wind Turbine Buyer's Guide" by Mick Sagrillo & Ian Woofenden from Home Power magazine (Jun/July 2007). A portion is excerpted below. You may also wish to check out the Home Power site for more guidance on wind energy basics and their guide on "How to Buy a Wind-Electric System" by Ian Woofenden & Mick Sagrillo from Dec/Jan 2007. You can find references for most of the major turbine manufacturer's listed in these guides and can find local reps for their equipment at their sites.
Keep in mind that the wind generator (or “turbine”) is only one component in a wind-electric system, and very often is not even the most expensive component. You need all of the necessary components to have a functional system. Plan ahead to buy quality components properly matched to each other and to your energy use. A complete wind-electric system includes:
- Turbine - generates electricity using the wind’s energy
- Tower - supports the turbine, getting it up out of the turbulent zone created by trees and buildings, and exposes the turbine to much more “fuel”
- Wiring and conduit - carries the electricity down the tower and to power-conditioning equipment
- Controller/Electronics - controls charging of battery or input to inverter
- Batteries - used for storage in off-grid systems or grid-tied systems with battery backup
- Inverter - converts direct current (DC) electricity from batteries or rectifier to alternating current (AC) for home use or “storage” on the utility grid
- Metering - allows user to understand and manage system operation
You should also check out the Small Wind site at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). is a national trade association representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry - one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world.
Windustry is another good place to get your wind project started. Windustry is a non-profit organization working to increase wind energy opportunities for rural landowners and communities. They promote wind energy through outreach, educational materials, and technical assistance to rural landowners, local communities and utilities, and state, regional, and nonprofit collaborations. Check out their site here.
For thorough listing of small wind turbine equipment providers, check out this list from the American Wind Energy Association.
If you are a Colorado vendor or dealer of wind energy equipment, we'd like to post your contact infomation. Feel free to email us with your contact information.
Disclaimer: As a government agency, we cannot recommend any products or services. The links and contact information below is provided for informational purposes only. They do not imply an endorsement on the part of the Colorado ALP or CSU.
Select Wind Turbine Equipment Dealers in Colorado:
Mr. Tim Olsen
Advanced Energy Systems
1428 S. Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80210 US
303 777 3341
tolsen@windtechnology.com
www.windtechnology.com
Mr. John D'Angelo
BeUtilityFree, Inc.
14149 W County Rd 26.
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Phone: 970.785.6451 or 888.320.9211
Fax: 888.320.9211
johnd@beutilityfree.com
http://www.beutilityfree.com
Mr. Charley Adams
Simply Efficient, LLC (Solar & Wind)
7717 W 6th Avenue, Suite F,
Lakewood, CO 80214
Phone: (720) 536-8935
-and/or-
P.O. Box 1204
Granby, CO 80446
970-531-7065
charley@simplyeff.com
www.SimplyEff.com
Mr. Peter Wirth
Solar Design Group LLC
Box 2034
Grand Junction, Colorado 81502
970-256-7024 phone/fax
970-201-6885 mobile
www.Solardesigngroupllc.com
Mr. Ted Palpant
Colorado Solar Energy, Inc.
19000 Mountain View Dr.
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Phone: 719. 395-0191; coloradosolarenergy@wildblue.net
http://www.coloradosolarenergy.net/
Mr. Jeremy Rodriguez
All Solar, Inc.
1463 M. Street
Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719.372.3808; allsolar@scswifi.net
http://www.asolarelectric.com/
Mr. John McDonald
McDonald Solar and Wind, Inc.
705 Main Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: 719.330.2597; mcdonaldsolarwind@hotmail.com
http://www.mcdonaldsolarandwind.com/
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