Wind energy is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. Wind turbines are a clean, renewable form of energy with a proven track record. Wind farms currently make up a small percentage of the United States' total energy picture, but the rate at which the market is growing promises to make wind an important energy source in the future.

The benefits of wind energy are numerous. The wind industry is expected to create 80,000 permanent jobs by 2020. Since wind is a completely renewable fuel source, it does not produce risks to human health or air quality.

Thinking about wind energy for your home or business?

1. Download Virginia's Consumer Guide to Small Wind Electric Systems.
2. Assess your options for wind turbine installation on your property with the Next Step Tools. 
3. The Next Step Tools resource empowers all landowners in Virginia by providing a personal wind power analysis that informs the user of the benefits and disadvantages of investing in small wind power for their home, farm, or business. This resource, developed within James Madison University's Office of the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC), allows landowners to estimate the wind power potential on their properties and explore various options for wind turbine installations.
4. Learn about Net Metering related to wind energy.
5. Check out the financial incentives offered for wind energy.

Learn more about wind energy:

• Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) information on wind energy in VA, including financial incentives
• Curry & Kerlinger studies on the impacts of wind power on wildlife
• Information on Greenlight Energy, a wind energy developer providing opportunities for land owners in Virginia
• American Wind Energy Association provides general information about wind energy in the United States
• Net Metering related to wind energy
• US Department of Energy's Wind Energy Benefits Fact Sheet

Financial incentives for wind energy:

Business Energy Investment Tax Credit for Small Wind Turbines
Potential Applicants: Commercial, Industrial, and Utilities who place qualified systems in service from October 3, 2008 to December 31, 2016

Corporate tax credit on federal income tax equal to 30% of expenditures, with no maximum for systems placed in service after December 31, 2008 (from October 3, 2008 to December 31, 2008 the maximum credit was $4,000). Eligible small wind property includes wind turbines up to 100 kW in capacity.

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit for Small Wind
Potential Applicants: Homeowners who place qualified systems on a residence from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016

Personal tax credit on federal income tax for 30% of qualified expenditures with no maximum for systems placed in service after December 31, 2008 (the cap on systems placed in service in 2008 was up to $500 per half kilowatt with a maximum of $4,000 total).