Small Wind Information
How can wind be small?
Actually, the term “small wind” is more for scientific purposes than descriptive explanation. It is defined as wind that can power electric generators with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts (kW) or less, sized for homes, farms, and small businesses. These turbines have seen their market grow significantly and the industry has set ambitious growth targets continuing at 18-20% through 2010. The U.S. is the leading world producer of small wind turbines, the vast majority of which are manufactured on U.S. soil. These machines are used by individuals to lower their electric bills, become independent of their electric grid, and to avoid the unpredictability of traditional energy prices
The term “micro wind” is a subset of the “small wind” classification and is generally defined as turbines less than 1kW in capacity. These units are typically used in off-grid applications such as battery charging, powering LED lighting structures and for pumping water on farms and ranches.