Wind Power
Wind energy is a source of renewable power which comes from air current flowing across the earth's surface. Wind turbines harvest this kinetic energy and convert it into usable power which can provide electricity for home, farm, school or business applications on small (residential) - or large (utility) - scales.
Wind energy is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity and one of the fastest growing markets in the world today. These growth trends can be linked to the multi-dimensional benefits associated with wind energy.
- Green Power: The electricity produced from wind power is said to be "clean" because its production produces no pollution or greenhouse gases. As both health and environmental concerns are on the rise, clean energy sources are a growing demand.
- Sustainable: Wind is a renewable energy resource is inexhaustible and requires no "fuel" besides the wind that blows across the earth. This infinite energy supply is a security that many users view as a stable investment in our energy economy as well as in our children's' future.
- Affordable: Wind power is a cost-competitive source of electricity, largely due to technological advancements, as well as economies of scale as more of these machines are manufactured and put online around the world.
- Economic Development: As well as being affordable, wind power is a locally-produced source of electricity that enables communities to keep energy dollars in their economy. Job creation (manufacturing, service, construction, and operation) and tax base increase are other economic development benefits for communities utilizing wind energy.
North Carolina's wind resources are mainly located along the coastal and mountain regions of the state and are an excellent opportunity for local energy supply. Please see the NC Wind Maps for more details on wind resources at specific sites, and contact our office if you would like an interactive wind map CD.
The North Carolina Solar Center specialized on coastal wind opportunities and the ASU Wind Program focuses on wind in the mountain region of the state. Both areas have particular opportunities and challenges for both small and large scale wind power.
North Carolina has abundant wind resources, unique to the Southeast, and has an excellent opportunity to harvest this local source of power. Windpower can provide electricity for home, farm, school or business applications on small (residential) - or large (utility) - scales.
2005 Wind Power Outlook
Wind Power Outlook is a six-page color publication from the American Wind Energy Assiciation that provides a annual status report on the U.S. wind energy market and industry. Highlights this year include a focus on wind energy's job generation potential, and rolling back constraints to growth.AWEA Wind Tutorial
The American Wind Energy Association's wind overview including discussion on technical basics, off-shore wind, economics, policy, the environment, and industry statistics. A starting place for learning about wind power and some of its most common topIncentives for Wind Energy In North Carolina: The new NC GreenPower program will purchase wind power from small and large producers for a premium rate. The state also offers 35% tax credits for wind energy systems.