Wind Energy and Clovis: The Bigger Picture
Clovis sits on the eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, where calm summer days and abundant sunshine make solar the dominant local renewable. Wind energy, however, still matters to Clovis residents and businesses. Much of the clean electricity flowing through California's grid comes from wind resource areas such as the Tehachapi Pass in Kern County and the Altamont Pass east of the Bay Area. Wind often produces power in the evening and at night, complementing daytime solar and helping keep the grid reliable.
For Clovis organizations pursuing sustainability goals, understanding the wind energy landscape helps when evaluating clean power purchases, renewable energy credits, or community choice programs. Rural property owners in the nearby foothills may also consider small wind turbines where conditions allow.
How We Selected These Companies
Because there are no utility-scale wind farms within Clovis itself, we focused on companies that develop, operate, manufacture, or deliver wind energy that serves California and the Central Valley. We considered project portfolios, technology leadership, regional presence, and reputation.
The Top 10 Wind Energy Companies Relevant to Clovis
1. NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources is one of the largest wind and solar developers in the world. In California, it operates the Golden Hills Wind Energy Center in the Altamont Pass, which replaced older turbines with modern, more efficient models that produce more power with fewer machines.
2. Avangrid Renewables
Avangrid Renewables operates the Manzana Wind Power Project in the Tehachapi region, one of California's most productive wind areas. The company is a major renewable energy operator across the United States.
3. EDP Renewables North America
EDP Renewables North America operates the Rising Tree Wind Farm in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area. Its projects contribute clean electricity to California's grid and support local economies through lease payments and tax revenue.
4. Terra-Gen
Terra-Gen develops and operates wind, solar, and storage projects in California, including major wind assets in the Tehachapi area. Its combination of wind and storage helps deliver reliable renewable power.
5. Salka Energy
Salka Energy is developing wind repowering projects in the Altamont Pass, replacing aging turbines with modern equipment. Repowering increases output while reducing environmental impacts such as bird collisions.
6. Clearway Energy
Clearway Energy owns and operates renewable energy assets, including wind projects in California. Its portfolio supports long-term clean energy contracts with utilities and businesses.
7. Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E serves Clovis with electricity and purchases significant amounts of renewable power, including wind, through long-term contracts. Its procurement decisions directly shape the clean energy mix that reaches local homes.
8. GE Vernova
GE Vernova is a leading manufacturer of onshore wind turbines used in projects across the United States. Its technology powers many repowering efforts in California.
9. Vestas
Vestas is one of the world's largest wind turbine manufacturers, supplying equipment and services for wind farms worldwide, including in California.
10. Bergey Windpower
Bergey Windpower manufactures small wind turbines for homes, farms, and rural properties. For Clovis-area landowners in windy foothill locations, small wind can complement solar.
Wind Energy Trends
Repowering older wind farms is a major trend in California. Offshore wind is also gaining attention, with lease areas off the Northern and Central Coasts. Battery storage paired with wind and solar is strengthening grid reliability.
How Clovis Residents and Businesses Can Support Wind Energy
Businesses can purchase renewable energy credits or sign clean energy agreements that include wind. Residents can choose utility clean energy programs. Rural landowners should consult a qualified wind assessor before considering a small turbine, since site conditions vary.
Is Small Wind Practical Near Clovis?
For most homes inside Clovis city limits, small wind turbines are not practical. Average wind speeds on the valley floor are relatively low, and neighborhood lots rarely offer the height and clearance turbines require. In the foothills to the east, however, some rural properties experience steadier winds, particularly on exposed ridges. Landowners should collect wind data or consult a qualified assessor, check county zoning and height restrictions, and compare expected output with solar, which usually delivers better returns in the region. In many cases, a hybrid approach combining solar, storage, and a small turbine works best for off-grid or remote agricultural sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my electricity in Clovis include wind power?
Yes. California's grid draws from a mix of resources, and wind is a meaningful part of the state's renewable supply, especially during evening and spring months.
Why is repowering important?
Older turbines are less efficient. Replacing them with modern equipment produces more energy from fewer, larger turbines while reducing environmental impact.
Wind Energy and the Local Economy
Although wind farms are located outside Clovis, the industry still supports regional jobs in construction, transmission, maintenance, and manufacturing supply chains. Central Valley trade schools and colleges train technicians who work across California's renewable sector, including wind.
Final Thoughts
Even though Clovis is a solar city, wind energy plays an important role in delivering clean, reliable power to the region. The companies on this list are driving California's wind future.