Energy -> Wind Energy

Small-scale turbine installations

Several small-scale wind turbines are generating electricity across Iowa. Depending on the available wind resource, a small wind energy system can lower a property owner's electricity bill by 50 to 90 percent and may help avoid the high cost of extending utility power lines to remote locations.

School districts have been some of the earliest developers of wind energy in Iowa. In 1993, Spirit Lake Community School District was the first school in Iowa to adopt wind energy. Currently, eight Iowa school districts operate wind turbines, ranging in size from 50 kW to 750 kW.

Resources and Information

Iowa Wind Owners Network
Iowa DNR has established a list of small wind turbine owners in Iowa who are willing to share their experiences with others interested in installing a wind turbine.

To receive contact information for these individuals, contact:
Lee Vannoy
(515)281-6559
lee.vannoy@dnr.state.ia.us

Publications and Reports

• Midwest Regional Wind Yellow Pages (*.pdf file)
• Small Wind Electric Systems - An Iowa Consumer's Guide (*.pdf file)
  Provides consumers with information to help determine if a small wind electric system is right for them.
• Iowa Wind Energy Checklist (*.pdf file)
  A step-by-step guide for wind energy projects.
• Clarion-Goldfield School District Case Study (*.pdf file)
• Waverly Light and Power Case Study (*.pdf file)

Additional Resources

DNR Contact
Lee Vannoy
(515)281-6559
lee.vannoy@dnr.state.ia.us

Iowa schools with wind turbines:

• Akron-Westfield Community School District

• Clarion-Goldfield Community School District

• Clay Central-Everly Community School District

• Eldora-New Providence Community School District

• Forest City Community School

• Nevada Community School District

• Sentral Community School District

• Spirit Lake Community School District