Wind turbine use ranges from homeowners with single turbines to large wind farms with hundreds of turbines providing electricity to the power grid. Small Wind Turbines Small wind turbines generate electricity for homeowners, power villages, pump water, and perform mechanical tasks. Home Systems Homeowners can generate their own electricity or charge batteries using the wind, and in some cases, sell excess electricity to the utility, a practice called net metering . Before buying a system, homeowners should check into local zoning regulations . A number of turbine manufacturers serve the home energy market.
Some homeowners choose to build their own systems.
Hybrid Systems Wind turbines are used in hybrid systems with other technologies like photovoltaic panels, batteries, and diesel generators. In remote villages without access to electricity, wind turbines can charge batteries or power small electric grids, improving the quality of life. Water Pumping Wind turbines are still used today to pump water. The increasing utility use of wind energy is due to dropping costs and improved technology. Green Power Green power is electricity generated by clean, renewable energy sources.