"Their regulations require the generator to produce at least 200kw and be tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. Not quite sure what that means."
Me neither.
You sure it does not say 200kwh/year? 200kwh/year is not a whole lot of power (75 cents to $2.50 a month off your bill?).
"It also states this : "All equipment must include a manual, lockable, visible load break disconnect switch with such switch easily accessible by Distributor. All Qualifying Systems must be manufactured (if a packaged system) and installed in compliance with all requirements of the latest edition of the National Electric Code (American National Standards Institute/National Fire Protection Association-70)""
I happen to agree with that.
Not as complicated as it sounds. Pretty much it says the stuff has to be safe, understandable and shut-off-able by the people who may need to do it if you are not available.
A good deal of that kind of thing is open to interpretation by whoever is reading it.
Basically, the important interpretation is the one from the guy(s) who do the approval(s).
1 Looking into it can't hurt.
Do a lot of reading here before going to the authorities.
Some things are better re-worded, starting in one office may be better than starting in another, etc.
Too much trouble is your call.
2 Building your own is more economical, but it depends on the scale too.
This is one of the things that should be carefully worded before talking to someone with authority. First impressions count ("I was figuring I could make me up a windmill out of car parts and connect it to ya'lls electric lines" would be a bad way to phrase it, and you can be sure the guy will remember you in a less than good way)
3 Reynolds distribution number (sp?). A low average wind speed does not necessarily mean it won't work well.
Is it worth it depends on the goals. Like why do you want to do it. Fun? Save money? Save the planet?
The name plate readings is one of those things that should be carefully tippy-toed around?
The inspector(s) may read that as it
Must be a factory made wind unit.
Another inspector may interpret the entire situation as meaning if the GT inverter is UL listed and battery based, then it does not matter if the battery charger (wind turbine) is factory made and UL listed.
Might find the electrical people are happy with the plan, but the tower people are not.
A turbine is not much good on a 6' tower.
Might find your state has a friendly law that trumps unfriendly laws imposed at the local level. The local yahoos often pull this kind of crap thinking 99% of the people will never find out about the other laws.
'Fabricator' is having some problems.
http://fieldlines.com/board/index.php/topic,143904.0.htmlDan has one grid tied,
http://www.briery.com/wind_turbine/Some people have no trouble at all. Some have more trouble than Bill Gates could deal with.
Nobody can predict how you will fare.
G-