Action Steps
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Learn about wind energy as a potential source of energy for your business

There are many differences between wind power and other sources of energy. It is important to learn about alternate wind powers before you invest too much in them without having detailed knowledge. Businesses need to know about the details of wind power and whether or not it is applicable to be implemented in your place of business. One of the easiest ways to start using wind power is to implement a wind turbine, but it needs to be realistic and have a place in your business's energy conservation plan.

I recommend: You can learn more about wind energy at Wind-Works.org. To learn whether or not the implementation of wind power into your business would be practical or not, visit MontanaGreenPower.com. To learn how a wind turbine works, check out Wind-Power-Generator.com.

Learn how to use and store wind power and wind energy

There are a number of ways to use and benefit from implementing a clean energy resource in their business. In order to allow your business the opportunity to best continue to move forward with energy conservation, it is important to consider how the energy and power may be used. You should also understand how to use wind power after you learn what it is and what it has to offer as a renewable energy source.

I recommend: National Renewable Energy Laboratory lists some of the applications of wind energy. TreeHugger.com discusses the ways in which wind power can assist in vehicular operation. Technology4life.com addresses how to store wind power, while AboutMyPlanet examines some of the new ways in which technological advancements have allowed individuals and businesses to harness the power of wind.

Know how to save money when it comes to wind energy

There is a lot of good a business can do by implementing wind energy, both for their own company's finances and for the world at large. This does not mean the process should cost an arm and a leg. Know where and how you can save money when it comes to wind power energy. If it would be more cost effective for you to simply use wind power through a provider, consider investigating wind power companies and wind energy providers.

I recommend: To save money by building your own wind turbine rather than purchasing one, visit Energy Bills Today. There, it is possible to learn to build a wind turbine for less than $100. American Wind Energy Association provides a list of equipment and providers to assist businesses looking to implement such practices. Rebuilt wind turbines are an economical way to go; buy them from Halus Power Systems, Energy Maintenance Service, Aeronautica Wind Power, or NEXion DG.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While education and implementation is important when it comes to wind energy and wind power, it is also important to learn about specific safety precautions one might need to take prior to implementing such equipment and practices. As with every energy source, there are certain risks and dangers associated with wind power. While they are far more limited than many other energy sources, it is still important to take note of them and increase the effectiveness of such power systems.

Guide to Wind Energy

Wind power is not just another idea that is full of hot air

By John R. Hall

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Become a wind power provider

You can be an alternative energy provider by installing your own wind turbine or wind power energy generator. Small businesses receive energy credits and incentives for creating and operating wind power systems.

I recommend: One company that sells small wind turbines for homes and businesses is Bergey Wind Power. A utility bill reducing wind turbine can typically save 600 - 2,000 Kilowatt-hours (kWh's) per month (depending on wind resource). Bay Winds is another wind turbine provider who offers suggestions on how to position a wind turbine and details the expected results from each installation.

Become a wind power or product reseller

You don't have to be a wind power energy provider to be a profitable business. You can also resell the power generated by wind energy companies or the equipment used to create energy from wind power. All you need is wind power training and a market of consumers who are willing to pay for renewable and alternative energy sources.

I recommend: There is a lot of good information on becoming a wind power reseller, including facts and figures from Power-Save. Resell wind power systems and components as an add-on to your product mix. One example of products to resell can be found at Proven Energy's website.

Stay up to date on wind power trends

Even though wind power systems are basic and straightforward, you should still make an effort to stay current on industry news.

I recommend: Check out the publications offered by the U.S. Department of Energy. You may also be interested in receiving regular mailings from the Earth Policy Institute.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A minimal investment can create a new profit center for your business through renewable wind power--investigate the many opportunities.
• •  Helping the environment through 'green' technology, utilized by wind energy providers, will help preserve the world's energy resources and make you a 'local hero.'

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Search in the sun for the basics of wind power

Wind actually is a type of solar energy. Wind occurs through a combination of the sun's heating of the atmosphere, the earth's rotation and the irregularities in the surface of the earth. The patterns of the wind change due to the influence of water, vegetation in the wind's path, and the shape of the land.

I recommend: To read more about the basics of wind energy, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site. For additional information, visit the website of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Turn your attention to wind turbine workings

You will see wind turbines mounted on towers. That's because it's easier for a turbine to catch the wind when it's about 100 feet above ground, where the wind is swifter and less turbulent. A turbine has either two or three blades, which look like propeller blades, mounted on a shaft to create a rotor. As the wind blows over the blades, much like lift on an airplane wing, it creates motion, which turns the rotor.

I recommend: See a diagram on the Energy Information Administration page of a wind turbine with a horizontal axis, along with a description of a turbine with a vertical axis. For more information on wind turbines, go to the American Wind Energy Association.

Learn how to use a wind turbine today

Wind turbines are wind power generators, converting the mechanical power from the shaft into electricity. Usually private landowners or wind energy companies place them in areas where the wind blows about 14 mph. In Spirit Lake, Iowa, two wind turbines supply more than enough electricity for an elementary school. Wind power companies build groups of wind turbines, called wind farms, to generate electricity for larger areas. Landowners often use single turbines to pump water or communications.

I recommend: For more information on usages of wind energy, visit the Alliant Energy website. Learn how energy goes from the turbine to homes at FPL Energy, a leader among wind energy providers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to a wind turbine, local regulations may apply regarding erecting a wind tower. Check before starting to build one.

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Wind turbine

Wind-turbine systems are steel structures that deliver power to businesses and homes through utility power lines. Two designs exist: horizontal axis and vertical axis. Components of a wind turbine are a generator, a rotor, a drive train, a tower and electronic cables and connections.

I recommend: The American Wind Energy Association has descriptions and benefits of wind turbines. Learn more about the types of wind turbines and how they work and view descriptions of the inside of a turbine at the U.S. government's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy page.

Nacelle

The nacelle is the enclosure that houses the drive train, the generator, the rotor and other parts of the wind turbine.

I recommend: RenewableEnergyWorld features articles on wind energy, wind turbines and nacelle assembly.

Anemometer

An anemometer is an instrument that is used to measure wind speeds, pressure and velocity.

I recommend: WeatherInstruments distinguishes between velocity and pressure-based anemometers. Campbell Scientific also offers solutions for wind energy-monitoring procedures.

Community wind

Community wind is the name given to a wind energy project that is managed by a local community. Groups that may own a community wind project include farmers, business owners, electric cooperatives and universities. These local projects generate wind energy from a single turbine or a wind farm, and they help save money and energy for the community.

I recommend: Windustry provides additional details and other resources regarding community wind projects. New Wind Energy also explains the benefits of community wind energy.

Distributed generation

Distributed generation, also called distributed energy, uses technology to deliver solar and wind power for on-site use.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy offers information on distributed energy and technology.

Kilowatt hours

Kilowatt hours refer to the amount of energy consumed per hour. One kilowatt unit equals 1,000 watts.

I recommend: The Union of Concerned Scientists explains how kilowatts apply to wind energy.