Planning

• 1). Determine if your property has sufficient wind resources. Reference a wind resource map or the DOE's "Wind Energy Resource Atlas of United States," found at the National Wind Powering America website.
  
  
• 2). Determine a viable location on your property for placing the windmill tower. Ideally this position will have the highest wind potential. Consultants like Wind Power Services, LLC, or a similar organization can assist you with this assessment.
  
  
• 3
  Connecting to the grid requires adherence to local zoning and electrical codes as well as coordination with local utility companies.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Some local codes restrict structure height in specific zones. Call your local building inspector, board of supervisors, planning board or zoning commission for building codes. If a building permit is necessary in your locality, these officials will also be able to assist you with the requirements.
  
  
• 4). Determine the requirements of any local (city or county) electrical codes. Call a locally certified electrician. The local building inspector or planning board may also provide you with up-to-date code requirements.
  
  
• 5). Call or visit your local electrical utility provider. Utilities will principally be concerned with safety as your windmill becomes connected to the grid. For example, the DOE notes that your wind system should stop delivering electricity to the grid during power outages to protect utility workers from downed power lines.
  
  
• 6). Determine if you need insurance by asking your local electrical utility provider. According to DOE, some utilities require wind turbine owners to maintain liability insurance.
  
  
• 7). Apply for grant funding available through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). An energy audit may be necessary to apply for grant funding.
  
  

Installing and Connecting to the Grid

• 1
  Wind systems often require installation skill and expertise. Seek assistance from your equipment provider, installer or a certified electrician.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Anchor the wind turbine tower using cement. Refer to installation instructions or contact a professional consultant for details specific to your particular tower model.
  
  
• 2). Assemble the wind turbine rotor, generator/alternator and tail. Refer to installation instructions or contact a professional consultant for details specific to your particular wind turbine model.
  
  
• 3). Call a certified electrician, system integrator or installer to connect the wiring through a DC/AC inverter. The inverter carries AC (alternating current) electricity and will also need to be connected to the household electric meter. The meter is the connection point to the grid.