Catch the Wind Power

With the technology that is available today wind could provide 20% of America’s energy with less then 1% of its land mass being used for turbines. By the year 2010 ten million average American homes could be supplied with wind power, which would be a huge decrease in our dependence on fossil fuels and critical to the health of all living things. More wind power means less smog, acid rain and greenhouse gases, thus making a more healthy environment for you and your family. In the past many people have thought that harnessing wind was not affordable enough to compete with fossil fuels, but prices continue to drop and if the average household used wind–generated electricity for 25% of its needs the cost would only be $4 to $5 per month. In the long run you would actually save money and imagine how great it would be to actually see your electricity meter running backwards! The electric company will be paying you!

What is Wind Energy and Where Does it Come From?

It’s actually created from solar energy. The sun heats different parts of the earth at different rates and causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, which reduces the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the earth, and cool air comes down to replace it which results in wind.

Wind Turbines

Wind electric turbines generate electricity for homes and businesses and for sale to utilities. There are two basic designs of wind electric turbines: "egg-beater" style and propeller-style. Propeller-style turbines are most common today, constituting nearly all of the "utility-scale" turbines in the global market.

• Turbines consist of: a rotor, or blades, which convert the wind's energy into rotational shaft energy;
• An enclosure that contains a drive train, usually including a gearbox and a generator;
• a tower, to support the rotor and drive train; and
• electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment, and interconnection equipment. Turbines come in several sizes and are usually made of steel and fiberglass.

Where Do I Start?

If you choose to set up your own wind turbine system, here’s a great state by state guide to provide information specific to buying and installing a small wind turbine in each of the U.S. states where available. Here is a great list of turbine equipment providers.

So if you want to begin living off the grid, save money and live a healthier life, check into wind power…..it may just blow you away!

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