Net Metering for Small Wind and Solar
While the wind blows free, harnessing it to produce electricity definitely is not. Start up costs can be prohibitive, but if a system rated less than 40 kW (40,000 watts) is built, LREC will compensate the owner for excess energy that flows into the grid.
The process is called net metering. That means customers use as much energy generated by the wind or other renewable source as they need, then sell the remainder to the cooperative.
Because of the technical and safety requirements involved, be sure to contact LREC for assistance when you begin planning your project. Your system must meet LREC requirements and be approved and certified by a Minnesota licensed electrical inspector.