Loan Applications
Location Map
Anemometer Data

In order to determine whether or not installing a wind turbine is economically viable for a property, landowners usually assess their wind resources with the use of an anemometer. Anemometers are instruments used to measure wind speed over time.

To help individuals who are interested in installing a wind turbine on their property and to determine wind resources in Utah, the State Energy Program loans individuals with promising sites an anemometer and the necessary equipment needed to measure wind resources on their land.

Anemometer data can help businesses, developers, farmers, ranchers, and homeowners determine if there is enough wind energy at their site to invest in a wind turbine. Each anemometer collects wind-speed data in 10-minute intervals. Such data can also aid wind-farm developers in determining whether an area is suitable for developing a large-scale wind farm. In addition, anemometer data are used to validate wind resource maps of Utah.

All Utah residents and businesses are eligible to apply. Due to limited availability of anemometer towers, however, only the most promising sites are selected. Applications are reviewed twice a year, in early March and August. The State generally loans anemometers for one year. Several factors are taken into consideration when evaluating each proposed site:

• Wind Speed Predictions Using Wind Resource Maps
• Favorable Topography
• Accessibility
• Favorable Land Use
• Project Purpose/Goal
• Transmission and Load
• Proximity to Past Anemometer Sites

Details of these factors can be found on the anemometer loan applications below. If you believe that a successful wind project is feasible on your land, we encourage you to apply.

Anemometer Loan Applications

To apply for an anemometer, please click on the appropriate link below and mail the completed application to the Utah Geological Survey, State Energy Program, Suite 3110, P.O. Box 146100, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114-6100. You may also call 801.537.3365 if you would like an application mailed to you.

Applications are due by March 1st for spring and summer installations and August 1st for fall installations.

20-meter tower application (pdf)
20-meter towers are appropriate for collecting data for small-scale projects or preliminary data for large-scale projects. There is no installation fee and State Energy Program staff will aid in erecting each tower.

50-meter tower application (pdf)
50-meter towers are generally used for those studying large-scale projects. Fewer 50-meter towers are available than 20-meters towers; therefore, to be eligible for a 50-meter tower, a site will usually need 20-meter anemometer data that suggest a good wind resource. However, a site without previously collected wind data will be considered if it can be demonstrated that the site has very promising wind resources. The applicant is responsible for the installation costs, which generally range between $4,000 and $5,000.