Wind is created by the

unequal heating of the

Earth's surface by the sun.
Wind turbines convert the
kinetic energy in wind
into clean electricity.
When the wind spins the
wind turbine's blades, a
rotor captures the kinetic
energy of the wind and
converts it into rotary
motion to drive the
generator.

Most turbines have

automatic over speedgoverning systems to keep
the rotor from spinning out
of control in very high
winds. A small wind system
can be connected to the
electric grid through your
power provider or it can
stand alone (off-grid). This
makes small wind electric
systems a good choice for
rural areas that are not
already connected to the
electric grid.

For residential systems

the cost of taking
wind measurements is
not justified in most
situations. In very
hilly or mountainous
areas, it may be
practical to take wind
data before
purchasing a system
to ensure that your
site is not in a
sheltered area.

If you have enough wind resource

in your area and the situation is
right, small wind electric systems
are one of the most cost-effective
home-based renewable energy
systems with zero emissions and
pollution. Small wind electric
systems can lower your electricity
bills by 50%90%. It helps to avoid
the high costs of having utility
power lines extended to a remote
location. It also helps in
uninterruptible power supplies ride
through extended utility outages.
Small wind electric systems can
also be used for a variety of other
applications, including water
pumping on farms and ranches.

Wind power, as an
alternative to fossil fuels, is
plentiful, renewable,
widely distributed, clean,
produces no greenhouse
gas emissions during
operation and uses little
land. The effects on the
environment are generally
less problematic than those
from other power sources.
Wind energy production
for electricity usage is
growing rapidly at about
25% per year.