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Mean wind speed, monthly profiles, and energy potential at 47.30°N, 96.52°W
Average wind speed at 100m hub height for each month of the year.
Ada experiences peak winds during April (6.74 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (5.17 m/s). The seasonal pattern shows a spring peak driven by strong pressure gradients, with lighter winds in late summer.
The ratio between peak and minimum monthly wind speed is 1.30, indicating moderate seasonal variation. Energy production will be relatively consistent throughout the year, which is favorable for baseload power contracts.
Wind speed increases with height due to reduced surface friction. Modern turbines typically operate at 80-120m hub height.
| Height | Wind Speed (m/s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10m | 3.49 | Standard measurement height |
| 50m | 5.18 | Small/distributed turbines |
| 80m | 5.81 | Mid-size turbines |
| 100m | 6.14 | Modern utility-scale turbines |
Minnesota ranks #8 nationally for wind energy capacity, making it one of the top 10 wind energy states in the country. The state's prairies and lake-effect plains define its wind resource characteristics across different regions and elevations.
Minnesota has approximately 4.7 GW of installed wind capacity, with additional projects in various stages of development. The state continues to attract wind energy investment due to its favorable resource conditions and supportive policy environment.
Minnesota's position in the Midwest provides consistent wind exposure, particularly during winter and spring when large-scale weather systems drive strong surface winds. The relatively flat agricultural landscape reduces turbulence and creates favorable conditions for wind energy harvesting.
The mean wind speed in Ada, Minnesota is 6.14 m/s at 100m hub height, 5.81 m/s at 80m, and 3.49 m/s at 10m. Wind power density at this location is 141.8 W/m², classified as IEC Wind Class IV.
Ada has a wind quality rating of "Moderate" based on its mean wind speed of 6.14 m/s at hub height. This location may be suitable for wind energy development with modern large-rotor turbines. Peak winds occur in April (6.74 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (5.17 m/s).
Small or distributed wind turbines may be most appropriate for this site. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) or small horizontal axis turbines designed for low-wind environments should be evaluated for site-specific conditions.
Based on the mean wind speed near Ada, a modern 3 MW turbine could produce approximately 6.3 GWh per year (capacity factor ~24%). That is enough to power roughly 601 average American homes. A 100 MW wind farm at this location could generate approximately 208 GWh annually, worth $7284.6M at $35/MWh wholesale electricity prices.
Explore wind data for nearby cities, sorted by wind quality.