3. Evaluation of selected site

Once potential sites have been selected and visited, the next step is to carry out short-term surveys for conditions representative of the prevailing wind (such as the mistral in southern France or the sirocco in North Africa). In-situ measurements should be carried out mainly in the presence of prevailing winds. For these measurements, attention must be paid to the accuracy and consistency of the data collected, to the provision of electrical power for isolated sites, to compliance with standards for equipment installation and measurement data processing, and finally to sensor calibration and maintenance (AWEA – 2001). Having a good level of wind at a site is a necessary but not sufficient condition.

The choice of locations (micrositing) must therefore be made on the basis of local wind characteristics, to optimize its installation on a plot of land, with the following...