These resources provide some of the best information available for planning wind and solar energy projects.

Commercial-scale community wind projects use energy in the wind to generate electricity on a large scale for hundreds, thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of homes. Putting together a commercial-scale community wind project requires an entrepreneurial spirit. You need to understand business and finance, the wind industry in the U.S., and the political and regulatory framework that shapes wind development in the United States. You also will spend many years planning your project.

When planning a project, many experts will tell you, "Consult early and consult often". There are professionals who can help you ensure a successful project. After you understand the basics of the planning process using the resources below, find the service providers who fit your needs in the Directory and start a conversation. You should also check out our list of questions to ask a company before you decide to hire them.

Wind Energy Landowner Forums - REDI & Southwest Initiative Foundation
Extensive materials from more than a dozen recent forums for landowners across Minnesota, along with other online resources.

Commercial-Scale Community Wind Resources - Clean Energy Resource Teams
These resources include development handbooks; presentations, webinars & conferences; transmission and interconnection information; wind resource assessment & cashflow modeling; incentives; legal issues; siting & permitting; and case studies.

Community Wind Toolbox - Windustry
The Community Wind Handbook offers high-quality practical information for farmers and rural landowners looking to develop commercial-scale wind projects.

Community Wind Resources - The Minnesota Project
Contains wind energy benefits, technical & financing resources, policy reports and case studies.

Wind Energy Resources - Minnesota Office of Energy Security, Department of Commerce
Includes frequently asked questions and maps that will help you evaluate the wind resource in your area and other useful resources for commercial or large-scale wind development.

Minnesota Wind Power Suppliers Online Directory - Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
Manufacturing suppliers to the wind industry spans a variety of industries, from turbine motors to electronic controls, and from plastic parts to ball bearings. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has created this online directory of potential suppliers to assist wind manufacturers in finding Minnesota suppliers.

Resource Library - American Wind Energy Association
AWEA's collection of online resources offers a variety of wind energy related tools and information, including: educational reports; a career center; financing; projects; and industry standards.

U.S. Wind Energy Resources - U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Access resources such as national program-level publications, photographs, industry links, and homeowner links related to wind energy.

State & Federal Wind Energy Incentives - Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.