Wind energy is the energy in the air when the air blows from one location to another. This form of alternative energy can be harnessed. A good example of this would be a sail boat. When the force of the wind blows onto the boats sails, it causes the sail boat to move. The same is true when wind blows upon the blades of a wind generator, thus causing the blades to turn. The blades are attached to a generator. The spinning generator then producers electric power. Most small wind generators produce low voltage power. It's typically used to charge large storage batteries. Some of the larger wind generators can be used to produce AC power. The picture on the right is of a 1 Kilowatt wind generator that produces low voltage DC power.

Wind generator come in large utility size. Some being taller than 170 feet. Outputting as much as 660 kilowatts on a windy day, from single wind generator. Wind energy cost about $0.09 per kilowatt hour to produce on a utility sized generator. This more expensive than some conventional fuels. That can be as cheap as about $0.04 per kilowatt hour. So utility companies have to charge more for wind energy to cover their cost. A utility grade wind generator will last about 25 years. So the initial cost can be spread over this 25 year period.

Some enter prizing people may elect to install their own smaller wind generator.

Here are some things you will need to take into consideration.

1. How big of a wind generator should I install?
2. How tall of a tower should I use?
3. Do I want to use batteries, or go with a grid tied system?
4. Are their any building or permit restriction to deal with?
5. Where will the tower be located on the property?
6. Will their be any noise produced by the wind generator?
7. If you are going with a grid tied system. Does your utility have net metering?

1. How big of a wind generator should I install? This probably the hardest question to answer. Because every wind generator site will be different. This because of local weather conditions, and terrain. This is were a expert installer comes in handy. He will help answer this question. Face it some sites are not well suited for wind power. While other are.

2. How tall of a tower should I use? The tower should be tall enough so that it gets wind that is not blocked by trees, hills or building. This is because they will block the flow of the wind. The tower should be at least 20 feet taller than an object that is within 250 feet of the tower. The reason is that objects can cause wind turbulence that can interfear with smooth air flow. The wind moves faster the high off the ground you get. The taller the tower gets also increases cost, and the chance of a lightning strikes.

3. Do I want to use batteries, or go with a grid tied system? If you decide to use batteries store the energy in. The system will be less efficient that a grid tied system. Also the costly batteries will need to replaced someday. Battery based systems also can supply power during a power failure. A batteryless grid tied system can not. Grid tied system sends the power back to the power company. This will cause your electric meter to run backwards. Also unlimited power can be stored on the power grid for later use. Once a battery is fully charged all excess power is not used on a non grid tied system.

4. Are their any building or permit restriction to deal with? You will need a building permit. You should check zoning restrictions. Their may be restriction on the maximum height of a structure can be on your land. If their is you will need a waver before you start building.

5. Where will the tower be located on the property? When you are situating a tower. You should select a location where the wind generator gets unobstructed air flow. Also if the tower should fall over it has to land on your property, and not come in contact with power lines. Towers should if possible be located near the top of a hill on the windward side of the hill.

6. Will their be any noise produced by the wind generator? The general rule is that the high speed small wind generators produce more noise than the larger low speed generators. A well designed low speed generator will produce low audible noise. That human ear may have problems decerning from background noise. In most instances the wind blowing threw the trees will drown out any noise. This can not be said to be true for some smaller high speed wind generators.

7. If you are going with a grid tied system. Does your utility have net metering? Net metering is when utility company has to buy back your excess power, at the same rate you purchase power at. This is important because they may buy back your power at the lower wholesale rate. Which is far less than the residential rate.

You should check your area for average wind speed. You need an average wind speed over 9 mph before even considering installing a wind generator.

Wind speed maps
http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/

Her are some manufactures websites.
http://www.bergey.com
http://www.windenergy.com