Energy from wind

Wind energy is the world's fastest growing source of electricity.
With the technology growing and improving rapidly and additional rebates and tax incentives now available, installing a small wind turbine at your home or business is more affordable than ever. And once the upfront costs are finished, you have absolutely no fuel cost to worry about. This section of our Web site will take you through the ABCs of creating your own personal power by installing wind.

What is wind energy?
Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water and vegetation. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even making electricity.

The terms wind energy and wind power describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

How do wind turbines work?
A wind turbine works opposite the way a fan does. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator to make electricity. In large commercial and industrial wind farms, the electricity is sent through transmission and distribution lines to homes, businesses, schools and so on. Smaller "personal power" wind turbines deliver the electricity directly for use in your home.