Essex, Conn.-based wind power company Noble Environmental Power has filed plans to raise up to $375 million in an initial public offering.

The company, which operates 282 megawatts of electrical generating capacity, joins a growing list of cleantech firms that are braving the rough market waters.

Solar installer Real Goods Solar (Nasdaq: RSOL), based in Broomfield, Colo., had its first day of trading yesterday, but priced low and closed even lower at $8.80 per share (see Real Goods Solar prices IPO at bottom of range).

Noble Environmental's share sale will be underwritten by Lehman Brothers, JPMorgan and Credit Suisse, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Founded in August 2004, Noble said it has more than 950 MW of additional capacity that it expects to bring online during 2008 and 2009.

The company's current wind farms are in New York, with the new projects set to go up in New York and Texas.

Backed by investment funds affiliated with JP Morgan and the Canada Pension Plan, Noble said it plans to use proceeds from the IPO for general corporate purposes, including future turbine supply agreements.

Noble said it is seeking a listing on Nasdaq under the symbol "NEPI."