Planning

Site Considerations

Good siting is critical for good production. If you have the right elements at your location, you can enjoy generating a large portion of your energy needs.

What Makes a Great Wind Site?

Southwest Windpower recommends installing Skystream 3.7 at sites meeting these criteria. Specifics for Maui are given as an example — every location requires an individual site assessment.

10+

Adequate Wind Resource

Minimum average wind speed of 10 mph (4.5 m/s). Ideal sites have 12 mph or greater. Maui experiences strong average wind speeds in many areas.

20′

Free from Obstructions

Tower top should be at least 20 feet above any surrounding object within 250 feet. Properties of half an acre or more are typically ideal.

Suitable Zoning

Agricultural, rural, and most business zonings are suitable in Maui County. Check for HOA restrictions before proceeding.

$0.10+

Electricity Costs

Ideal at $0.10/kWh or greater. Maui Electric rates are approximately 4× that — making Hawaii one of the strongest markets for wind.

Got Solar? Get Wind!

Wind energy is an excellent complement to solar. A turbine produces electricity when PV panels cannot — at night and during cloudy weather. Together they bring you closer to the Net Zero Energy Home.

Wind power benefits →

Low Profile Tower Options

Monopole towers range from 34 to 60 feet — a possibility for a wide range of communities and zoning areas. The slim design means neighbors are unlikely to object.

  • Blue Pacific Energy conducts individual site assessments for every project.
  • We manage the full permit process — architect review, building permit, and electrical permit coordination.
  • Wind resource assessment specific to your parcel — not just regional averages.
"Price was a leading factor. Actual projected savings and payback on our investment were also big concerns. Aesthetics also played a part — we thought the Skystream structure itself was very attractive. We felt our neighbors would not consider it an eyesore."— Nancy from Texas