Wind Energy

Wind is a result of the sun’s uneven heating patterns in our atmosphere, the rotation of the Earth, and the physical irregularities of Earth’s surface. Wind energy refers to the power generated by wind through wind turbine systems.

How do they work?

Wind turbine systems are mainly composed of blades and towers. Moving air turns the blades, which then powers an electric generator that supplies an electric current. One way to think of a wind turbine is to think of it as the opposite of a fan-- fans use electricity to make wind; wind turbines use wind to make electricity.

Why use a wind turbine?

The installation of a wind turbine system will:

reduce your emission of greenhouse gases
lessen your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources, which are subject to price fluctuations
lead to long-term financial savings
lead to marketing and public relation benefits for businesses

Wind turbines are often recommended as a complementary system to solar panel systems. To provide 100% of energy from renewable sources while meeting 100% of energy demand, solar panel systems are needed to produce energy during the day while wind turbines are needed to produce energy during the night.

Last updated January 29, 2021

Renewable Energy

Notable Quote

“Of all the forces of nature, I should think the wind contains the largest amount of motive power-- that is, power to move things… And yet it has not, so far in the world's history, become proportionably valuable as a motive power. It is applied extensively, and advantageously, to sail-vessels in navigation. Add to this a few wind-mills, and pumps, and you have about all… As yet, the wind is an untamed, and unharnessed force; and quite possibly one of the greatest discoveries hereafter to be made, will be the taming, and harnessing of the wind.”

- Abraham Lincoln, 1859

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Jefferson County