What is wind power?
Wind power is generated through the use of a turbine, usually mounted on a tower. The turbine collects wind energy and converts it to electricity which is transferred to your houses breaker panel, allowing you to rely on your existing utility power supply as only a backup
o Zero emissions - This means no CO2 gas, sulfur gases, nitrogen oxide gas, or soot particulates associated with global warming, acid rain, pollution, asthma, and other negative environmental /health consequences. It also means no toxic heavy metals emitted into the air
o Renewable - Wind is in constant supply, unlike coal, oil, and gas, which are finite natural resources
o Free - Because wind (not fuel) powers production, operation costs are effectively zero
o Declining costs - As installed capacity has increased, costs have dropped 85% in 15 years to <$0.05 per kWh.
o Creates new jobs? and new businesses, strengthening the U.S. economy
o Quick installation - Once a site has been selected and permits approved, wind turbine installation can be completed in months (compared to years for a gas, coal, or nuclear plants)
o Phased growth - You can increase production capacity as your needs grow
o Mass appeal - Opinion polls consistently demonstrate strong popular support for clean-burning, renewable technologies like wind power
o Self-sufficiency - Because it can be developed domestically, wind power reduces U.S. reliance on imported energy
o Price stability - Unlike fossil fuel prices, which fluctuate due to factors beyond our control, wind power comes with a relatively fixed price, one likely to drop considerably over time
o Small footprint - Wind turbine towers interfere little with surface activity (e.g., farming, livestock)
o Low impact - Wind turbine operation offers little threat to wildlife and natural habitat
o Aesthetic/visual impact - Today's turbines are sleek and appealing to most people