Power generated by the wind is another 100% renewable energy resource.  Wind is a form of solar energy and like solar power is environmentally friendly because it produces no waste by-product.

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 vegetation.  Humans use wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes: sailing, flying a kite, and even generating 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 kenetic energy in the wind into mechanical power.  This mechanical power can be used for pumping water or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity. 

Heres how it works.  A wind turbine works the opposite of a household fan.  A fan uses electricity to make wind and a wind turbine uses wind to make electricity.  The wind turns the blades, which spins a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.  In a solar photovoltaic renewable energy system the array is the collector, in a wind power renewable energy system the collector is the circle area of the turbine's blades.

Small wind turbine renewable energy systems are best suited for rural and agricultural applications.  They are most effective when used in combination with a solar photovoltaic renewable energy system.  Here's the reason, the wind usually blows more when it's cloudy providing the natural fuel for the turbine.  When it's cloudy the solar PV renewable energy system is less effective and when it's sunny the roles are reversed.  It's a renewable energy design that works no matter what the weather conditions.