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California
California now has the highest electricity rates of any State in the country. But, you can use the
power in the wind to radically cut your electric bill and within a few years enjoy essentially free electricity.
The best part is the State will pay for almost half of it!
The State of California provides a cash rebate for qualified purchases of small wind systems up to 30 kW. The CEC (Cal. Energy Commission) rebate for wind (effective January 1, 2006) is $2.50 per watt for the first 7,500 watts and then $1.50 per watt for additional wattage up to the limit of 30 kW.
With the new California incentives, the payback may be in as little as 6-7 years! And in many situations the monthly saving will completely offset the monthly loan payment! Financially, buying a home wind system is vastly superior to just purchasing all your electricity from the power company. It's like the difference between renting a home and buying a home.
A small wind system will provide you with a return on your investment of 10 - 20% - tax-free - depending on your usage and wind resource. This is equivalent to a 14% - 28% return on a taxable investment! Compare that to 2% form a money market account, 5% from a long-term CD, or negative earnings from mutual funds over the last few years.
Modest wind resources are fine for small wind systems. Wind resources are sufficient in many parts of California. In some places they are excellent.
New! The California legislature has passed new regulations that should dramatically streamline the permitting of small wind turbine installations throughout rural California. The new regulations (passed under AB 1207) require wind turbine friendly zoning ordinances, providing relief from 35 ft. height restrictions and other historical barriers to permitting small wind turbines on lots on 1 acre and larger.
CEC rebates are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Reservations, which are free and non-binding, last up to 6 months. The reservation application requires an equipment quotation from an approved vendor and a copy of your utility bill (or an explanation of why one isn't available yet).
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