Virginia Small Wind Incentives Program (VSWIP)

Summary

The Virginia Small Wind Incentives Program (VSWIP), administered by the James Madison University (JMU) Office of the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC), offers grants to Virginia landowners to purchase and install small wind energy systems. The program will provide financial support for up to 10 projects during three review periods -- one in 2004 and two in 2005. The first round of VSWIP Grant Applicants were selected in May 2004 to receive incentives. A second round of grants were selected in July of 2005. VWEC is currently accepting applications for a third and final round of grants to be offered in late 2005 or early 2006. The maximum award will be the lower of $10,000 or 33% of installed costs. The program is supported by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, and is administered by JMU faculty, staff and students who will review applications, conduct workshops and assist awardees. The goal of the VSWIP is to bridge the economic gap between energy derived from small wind turbines and that generated by conventional resources. Grants will be awarded based on a landowner's (1) quality of wind resources, (2) financial commitment, (3) willingness to work with schools and students, (4) ability to interconnect with the grid and willingness to net meter the system, and (5) willingness to install the system in an area that is easily accessible and visible. Turbines greater than 20 kW in capacity will be considered on a case-by-case basis.