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 Small wind systems are generally defined as systems with a rated capacity of 100 kilowatts (kW) or less. To promote small wind in Nevada the 2007 Nevada Legislature passed the Wind Energy Systems Demonstration program. For additional information on this program visit the "Policies Affecting Wind Power" section of this web site.
For additional information about small wind energy systems visit the following web sites.
Washoe County Wind Codes
If you live in Washoe County, visit this web site to review the county's codes regarding in the installation of wind turbines.
Small Wind Electric Systems: A Nevada Guide
Published by the U.S. Department of Energy, this guide helps
home owners, ranchers and small business owner determine if a small wind energy system is right for them.
Small Wind Electric Systems: A U.S. Consumer’s Guide
This guide provides consumers with information to help them determine whether a small wind electric system can provide all or a portion of the energy they need for their home or business based on their wind resource, energy needs, and economics.
American Wind Energy Association Small Wind Toolbox
The Small Wind Toolbox contains information about installing and promoting small wind energy projects. Industry standards, frequently asked questions, success stories, expert advice, an online forum and other information are also provided.
Small Wind Turbine Manufacturers
The American Wind Energy Association has compiled a list of U.S. manufacturers and suppliers of wind turbines for use in residential, farm, and commercial/industrial applications.
AWEA Small Turbine Global Market Study
This July 2007 report from the American Wind Enercy Association details the market for small wind, including sales breakdowns for off-grid vs. grid-connected systems, the number of residential-scale turbines in the US, US jobs created by the industry, growth trends, technological barriers and compares the growth of wind to solar photovoltaic.
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The American Wind Energy Association has issued a new handbood called "In the Public Interest: How and Why to Permit for Small Wind Systems."
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 Wind power is measured in classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes, called regimes, range from 1 (the lowest) to 7 (the highest).
In general, at 50 meters, class 4 or higher can be useful for generating utility-scale power. Certain class 3 locations could also produce utility-scale wind at 80 meters, or with advances in technology.
The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a wind resource map for the state of Nevada. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for utility-scale wind development. The map indicates that Nevada has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production.
The largest contiguous lower elevation areas of good-to-excellent resource are located in southern Nevada near Las Vegas and near Ely. Good-to-excellent wind resources are also located on the higher ridge crests throughout the state.
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Residential Wind Resources 