United Wind brings distributed wind to national network of farmers

Distributed wind energy developer, United Wind, announced a new agreement with Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. (FBN), the largest independent farmer-to-farmer network in the U.S., which now spans over 13 million acres of member farms.

United Wind is the first renewable energy provider to offer its WindLease through the FBN network’s farmer-direct marketplace. The agreement means WindLease will let FBN members lease a small wind system for no money down to stabilize electricity costs over the long-term, and save on utility bills from day one.

United Wind says it will handle all responsibilities related to development, construction, and O&M of the wind system, so its customers can focus on their farm operations.

“Farmers are being squeezed on both sides by low crop prices and high input and energy costs,” said Co-Founder & VP of Products, Charles Baron. “By stabilizing electricity rates over the long-term, farmers can hedge against these rising utility rates and create certainty in their energy costs and produce renewable energy right on their farm. On-farm energy production strengthens farmers’ independence.”

FBN members will now be able to enjoy the benefits of local wind energy, without any of the risk or obligations of owning a wind system. The FBN network and United Wind also see alignment in the character of the farmers they serve; innovative, resourceful, and entrepreneurial.

“FBN members operate complex businesses. They are always looking at ways to improve their bottom line and ensure the sustainability of their farm for today and the next generation,” said United Wind CEO Russell Tencer. “Our WindLease provides a turn-key solution to meet those objectives, and take the wind that was once a nuisance, and turn it into a source of economic gain.”

Through this listing, United Wind will provide exclusive benefits and pricing to FBN members. Recognizing that many of its farmers may have the wind resource and energy demands that would be ideal for small wind, Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. is excited to have United Wind’s energy solution offered in its marketplace.