While large wind turbine farms remain in the domain of large corporations who can provide the capital costs of land leases, construction, equipment, and ongoing servicing, small wind turbines are now creeping out of rural installs and into urban / suburban areas. Rather than using towers, wind turbines can be fixtures on buildings, capturing the wind as it gusts though the urban landscape. For more information please visit: http://www.GreenCollarVets.org

2. While large wind turbine farms remain in the
domain of large corporations who can
provide the capital costs of land
leases, construction, equipment, and ongoing
servicing, small wind turbines are now
creeping out of rural installs and into urban /
suburban areas.
Rather than using towers, wind turbines can
be fixtures on buildings, capturing the wind as
it gusts though the urban landscape.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

3. Many communities are in the process of re-
evaluating city ordinances that prohibit these
installations. This is taking place in one
community at a time currently.
Some considerations in favor of allowing small
wind are the potential to pump electricity
back into the power grid, as well as
homeowners' saving money on electricity
costs.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

4. Arguments against small wind in urban areas
range from producing an 'ugly' skyline to
concerns about structural support and
damage if a system collapses.
Some citizens are starting to fight back
against initial interpretations of residential
zoning ordinances, taking their concerns to
district courts for support, since these
ordinances often don't mention wind turbines
specifically.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

5. Many proponents of urban small wind systems
are getting support from state and national
wind associations. This industry is expected to
grow considerably in the future as concerns
about aging grids and high use demands
grow.
Most installations currently are taking place on
commercial structures, where concerns about
structural support are not in play.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

6. Sauer Energy has developed a vertical axis
turbine with a mounting system designed for
the sides of a building, rather than a pole on
the rooftop.
Addison, TX has installed ten 8-foot tall wind
turbines on top of a water tower, which
supplies enough power to run the tower as
well as street lights along the adjacent roads.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

7. There is even a classroom at the base of the
tower which provides education on wind
energy and water distribution.
Given the early stage of the small wind sector
and the small-scale of the systems
involved, this field is suited to smaller
entrepreneurs looking for a way into wind
power.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

8. The ideal worker in this field needs a strong
background in construction, mechanical or
electric systems.
The basics of attachment require knowledge
of building structural components as well as
safety, as you will be working from heights in
many cases. A master electrician's services
are required for hook-up and final inspection.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

9. NABCEP conducted its first small wind installer
certification test only two years ago. It does
not confer a professional license, but helps
consumers distinguish competency among
installers.
Currently, the dominant source of training is
through manufacturers for their specific
turbines and is often a requirement for being
a qualified dealer/installer for the company.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

10. Another source of training are through state
agencies such as the MN Office of Energy
Security - Windustry - which partnered in 2011
with wind installer experts to create a cutting
edge, state-of-the-art curriculum.
The initial 17 instructors who participated are
now using this information to teach in
community and technical colleges across the
state.
www.GreenCollarVets.org

11. Looking for veteran friendly jobs?
Then don't hesitate to go to
www.GreenCollarVets.org today!
www.GreenCollarVets.org