Maryland Energy Administration

State Anemometer Loan Program

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) state-based anemometer loan program has a rolling application process. The program loans wind measuring devices to property owners; allowing them to quantify and characterize the wind resources available at their property. The program is designed to empower property owners by supporting their interest in wind energy through the loan of anemometers and wind vanes and providing education about wind energy development.

The program has six anemometers; four will be mounted atop 30 meter towers, and two will be mounted atop 50 meter towers that are supported by four sets of guy wires.

The Program is currently waitlisted, but applications will still be accepted and placed in the wait list queue.

The Maryland Environmental Service administers the program in partnership with MEA. For further information about the program or how to apply, please contact Joe Cohen at (410) 260-7751 or via e-mail .

• Loan Application
• Anemometer Installation Photos

General Prerequisites:

• Site location with at least one (1) acre
• A diameter of sixty (60) feet of open space around the base of the tower location for 30-m towers; and 110 feet for 50-m towers
• Tower location should preferably flat, horizontal with  no slope
• Verification of approval from county permitting and zoning, and economic development offices to site anemometer as well as wind turbine on the property. Permitting or zoning fees are the responsibility of the property owner.
• For sandier or unstable soil types, site foundations may require additional preparation for the installation of an anemometer (e.g., poured concrete). Any expenses incurred for this additional preparation will be at the expense of the property owner.

Anemometer Program Guidelines:

All Maryland residents and businesses are eligible to apply.  All applicants will go on the MEA waitlist once they have submitted all of the following:

1. Summary of Project Purpose/Goal – defining the proposed nameplate capacity, number of turbines, proof of a quotation and a statement of willingness to fund the project and to proceed with the installation of the wind turbine once the anemometer data confirms viability.
2. Wind speed potential using existing Maryland wind mapping information (Maryland Wind Resource Map or Maryland Online Wind Calculator);
3. Demonstation of Favorable Topography – In addition to the requisite flat site with other favorable factors such as higher elevation than the surrounding area, being clear of obstructions that would create wind flow turbulence; (i.e. tall trees, buildings, geological features, etc)
4. Assured and ready accessibility for the anemometer installation

NOTE: Preference will be given to sites where little or no data has been collected, but these sites should also be places where other factors indicate that wind resources would be promising.

For more information on this program or wind energy, please contact Joe Cohen at 410.260.7751 or via email.