Wind Wind can be a very powerful source of energy to generate electricity. The electricity generated by a wind turbine can then be used for any purpose you desire. Small wind generators are used on recreational vehicles and sailboats to provide power. Small sized turbines can also be used in remote locations to pump water for irrigation or stock watering. Larger turbines are used to reduce energy charges by interconnecting with the electricity grid, or off setting fossil fuel generated electricity in remote (off - grid) locations. These turbines are often combined with photovoltaic panels to make a hybrid wind/solar source of electricity. The wind blows at night and during cloudy periods, being the larger producer of energy at that time, while when it is sunny there is often a light wind, and the solar panels take over being the primary energy producer. Wind turbines are sized from 200 watts at full output, to 10,000 watts (10 kW) or 20,000 watts (20kW). The turbines can be erected on towers from 30 ft (10m) to 120 ft (36m). The towers may be self supporting, free standing towers, or may be towers using guy wires for additional support. Wind turbines need to be placed in locations with an adequate wind resource, with a wind speed measured at a minimum of 4.5 metres per second, or 10 miles per hour. 
Wind turbines need to be placed a minimum of 30ft (10m) above any obstruction within 300ft (100m). Obstructions include buildings, trees, and landforms. Obstructions cause turbulence in the air flow. This turbulence results in lower energy output from the turbine, and can cause more maintenance issues on the turbine due to the unequal stresses caused by the turbulence. The higher the tower, the better the wind resource will be. Many people in the small wind industry tell their customers to install the tallest tower they can afford. If faced with a decision to spend more on the turbine or on the tower, the increased height of the tower will usually produce a greater rate of return than the corresponding amount spent will produce in a larger wind turbine. Some sources of further information on Wind Power are: Introduction to Wind Energy Systems - NRCan Wind Systems Buyer's Guide - NRCan |
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