By Tommy Giljohann December 14, Wind is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. This wind flow, or motion energy, when "harvested" by modern wind turbines, can be used to generate electricity. The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses, schools, and the like. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. If you must use running water, set it at a low stream to reduce water waste. Unplug unused appliances when not in use. Air Dry your dishes. Close vents in unused rooms. Recycle Remember We only have one Earth. We only have a limited number of resources. We need to take care of our home, Community, and Nation. Do your part and I’ll do mine.

However, a single wind generator can ease the grid drawn power a household utilizes, and if coupled with other forms of clean energy, such as solar power, home wind turbines can be part of a completely off grid home’s power network. An effective way to harness wind power is with a home wind turbine. These turbines are scaled to comply with residential structural codes and noise ordinances. Multiple turbines can even be connected with a battery storage system in a type of miniature wind farm for the household that wants to be completely reliant on air for power. One of the most impressive aspects of air as a power source is that once the turbine is in place, it operates at zero carbon consumption, making it an extremely environmentally friendly power source! In addition the US Federal Government allows for a 30% tax credit for the full price of the Wind Turbine equipment and installation which lowers the initial investment significantly. Acoustics The sound from small wind generators typically blends in with common outside sounds like those from cars, airplanes, barking dogs and wind blowing through the trees. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) the sound pressure level generated by a small wind generator is in the range of decibels which is quieter than background noise in a home or office. Visual Impact Small wind generators are installed on towers similar those commonly-accepted in communities across the country and don’t look much different than a common light pole or radio tower. Structure Safety and Climbing Hazard As with any structure, wind generator towers must meet local building and safety requirements. Towers are installed according to manufacturer and local zoning specifications that ensure structural safety. Small wind generator towers pose no greater climbing risk than other similar poles and towers or even trees. Interference Small wind generators have no effect on TV or communications signals, as their blades are made from materials (wood, fiberglass, and plastic) that signals can pass through. Property Values There are as many as 20,000 small wind generators installed every year and to date, there has been no documented evidence that small wind generators – or even commercial wind farms – have ever lowered neighborhood property values. Welcome to National Wind Who We Are We are America's leading large-scale community wind project developer. We currently have fifteen families of projects in development or operation. These projects have an aggregate capacity of over 4000 megawatts. Mission Our mission is to develop utility-scale wind energy projects in partnership with rural communities. Vision As the leading developer of utility-scale community projects, our vision is to revitalize rural economies by promoting investment in domestic renewable energy resources. We will create shared ownership with communities and provide them a voice. x