Resource

Wind Energy Resource Atlas (USA)

The wind resource maps estimate the resource in terms of wind power classes (Table 1-1), ranging from class 1 (the lowest) to class 7 (the highest). Each class represents a range of mean wind power density (in units of W/m²) or equivalent mean wind speed at the specified height(s) above ground. Areas designated class 3 or greater are suitable for most wind turbine applications, whereas class 2 areas are marginal. Class 1 areas are generally not suitable, although a few locations (e.g., exposed hilltops not shown on the maps) with adequate wind resource for wind turbine applications may exist in some class I areas