Wind has been used for centuries to provide energy to move things. From sailboats to turbines wind energy is harnessed to pump water, generate electricity, or make boats go. Wind energy has played a significant role in electrifying rural, remote locations before centralized power grids. Wind generators come in all shapes and sizes. Some are pretty basic and made from scavenged parts, others are sleek and high tech. From units that can fit in the back of a pick up truck to power the barn to monsterous creations on gigantic towers that could light up a town wind generators are available to meet most energy needs, providing the site has proper wind dynamics. Like PV solar panels, some sites are naturally better than others. Wind power generation can be one of the least costly forms of power generation. Like all energy making systems proper attention to details and sizing are required to permit cost effective, efficient operation. Since low voltage DC does not travel well over due to line loss, for distances beyond 100 feet, it is often necessary to raise the voltage from the generator then step it down at or close to the load. Since wind velocity increases with tower height and typically higher is better, voltage issues need to be considered as does height of tower and proximity to load and storage. Because of the deregulation of the electric industry, there has been a significant influx of energy makers, many of whom rely on wind energy in their power generation scheme. 

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