Commonwealth Wind - MicroWind

Commonwealth Wind Update

July 2011: In partnership with MassCEC, CLF Ventures prepared a guide to understanding land-based wind energy issues that we hope will help decision-makers make informed decisions and navigate the complex issues involved in siting land-based wind energy.

Click Here to Read the Guidebook

• Topics covered in this resource include: 
• - How to make sense of information about wind energy
• - Why are Massachusetts and its communities considering wind energy?
• - Economics
• - Visual Impacts and Health
• - Sound and Health
• - Birds, Bats, and Wind Power
• - Property  Values
• - Public Engagement in the Siting Process 

 
Micro Wind Program Overview
The Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program – Micro Wind Initiative provides rebates for the installation of small wind projects with power capacities from 1 kW to 99 kW and located at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities. The project site must be located in the territory of either a Massachusetts investor-owned electric distribution utility or a Municipal Light Plant Department that pays into the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund. Applications are received on a rolling, first come first served basis.

Through the Micro Wind Initiative, MassCEC has funded more than 70 awards to small wind projects. More than 60 of those projects are now installed and operating. MassCEC’s goal is to provide incentives for the installation of well-performing and responsibly-sited projects using commercially-proven technologies. Micro wind systems are supported through a hybrid rebate consisting of two parts:
 

Rebate 1: Will be based on the rated capacity of the system at 11 m/s (taken from the system’s power curve).
 

Rebate 2: Will be based on the verified estimate of kilowatt-hours produced by the system for its first year of operation.

Ninety percent of the rebate will be paid after project completion and ten percent will be paid after 12 months reporting of electricity production and monitored wind data.
 

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT WIND AND APPLY FOR A REBATE?
There are a number of steps associated with applying for a Micro Wind rebate. If you decide to move forward with a small wind project, your installer or vendor is responsible for providing you with turnkey service and installation, including taking you through the Micro Wind rebate process, securing required permits, and ensuring the installation of your renewable energy system.