A source of energy that we are only just beginning to take notice of and harness is wind power. To put it simply, wind power is the conversion of wind energy into more useful forms like electrical energy using wind turbines. One percent of the world’s electricity is produced using wind power. Studies at the US Department of Energy have shown that wind harvested in just three of the fifty U.S. states can provide enough electricity to power the entire nation, and that offshore wind farms could do the same job. In fact, the United States has added more wind energy to its grid than any other single country in recent years. And its capacity is only expected to grow by 3 gigawatts, that is 3,000 megawatts, in the year 2007.
While conventionally, wind energy was used to do physical work like crushing grain or pumping water, it is today become a vital source of energy to power our daily lives. Windmills are machines that use their big rotating blades to convert wind energy into more useful forms of energy like electricity. While windmills have been a common phenomenon across the world for centuries, we have now realized their potential in satisfying our energy needs. The modern versions of these windmills are called wind turbines. A wind turbine is also called a wind power generator, which is primarily used to generate electricity. The largest of these machines can generate up to 6 megawatts of power.
With ever increasing concern for the environment even as we appraoch our limits to fossil fuel consumption, wind power has become an interesting and workable option as a renewable source of energy. Besides being renewable, wind energy is plentiful, clean and pollution free. Residents in Bakersfield have switched to using such alternative forms of energy in an effort to save their environment from further pollution. There is a wind power generator system near Bakersfield that powers several homes in the town.
A wind powered generator or turbine, in a residential setting like Bakersfield, is situated at the top of a high tower. The power from the wind turbine is connected to the main electric service wire of the home. Due to their height, wind turbines are best suited for remote or low-density residential lots of one acre or more. The amount of power generated by a wind turbine depends on the capacity of the turbine and the wind speed.
SOLAR ENERGY FACT
Residential electricity is billed on a 5-tier system based on territory, season, and heating sources. Usage is calculated each month; if usage climbs over the baseline it is billed at a higher rate accordingly, with the 5th tier being rate-enter solar electricity