When Rogers and Hammerstein wrote the words, "where the wind comes sweepin down the plain," to the song Oklahoma, they probably didn't have in mind turning wind turbines as an alternative energy source.
Windpower is gaining popularity as a sustainable energy source. And there are good reasons why. Wind power can also be an excellent compliment to solar power and for millions of people wind has become a better way to generate electricity.
Did you know the wind comes from the sun, actually make it a form of solar energy? Wind is caused by the heat from the sun. Whenever mass is in motion, it creates energy, so when air moves or is in motion it creates kinetic energy. Wind power is capturing the kinetic energy, and converting it to other forms of energy such as electricity or mechanical power.
The earliest form of wind power was the use of windmills in ancient China, Persia and Europe to pump water or grind grain. Today we are using the power of the wind to generate clean, renewable energy. Harnessing the wind doesn't pollute the air, water, or soil, making it one of the cleanest sources of energy available.
According the US Census, more than 17 million homes in the United States are located in an area that is conducive to small wind systems. If you have property that is an acre or more, wind of at least 9MPH, and if your Home Owners Association, City or County doesn't restrict the use of towers or tall structures, then a small wind energy system may be the thing for you.
With ever evolving technology and better generation techniques, wind power is becoming more feasible and increasingly popular as an alternative to keep our planet healthy and clean.
Please be sure to leave your comments to benefit and help others in this ongoing effort to help the planet.
