Directory:Alternate Energy Resources/Wind Energy
Exploring Ways to Use Wind Energy
We have harnessed the wind's energy for hundreds of years—from windmills that pump water or grind grain to today's wind turbines that generate electricity.
If you live on at least one acre of land with an ample wind resource, you can generate your own electricity using a small wind electric system. You can also use a small wind turbine for pumping water.
You may have the opportunity now or in the future to buy clean electricity from a wind power plant.
Small Wind Electric Systems
Small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective, home-based renewable energy systems. These systems are also nonpolluting.
If a small wind electric system is right for you, it can do the following:
- Lower your electricity bills by 50–90%
- Help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines extended to a remote location
- Help 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.
- How a Small Wind Electric System Works Learn the basics of how a small wind system produces electricity.
- Evaluating a Potential Small Wind Turbine Site Start here to determine whether a small wind energy system would be feasible, practical, and economical for you.
- Small Wind Electric System Components Learn more about system components—turbines, towers, and balance-of-system parts.
- Installing and Maintaining a Small Electric Wind System Find out what you need to consider before you install a system, including basic maintenance tips.