Particulate matter is easily airborne far downwind from the source of emission. It is an important factor aggravating respiratory diseases such as asthma. Costs for utility-scale wind energy systems have dropped dramatically. Turbines are now much more efficient, reliable and powerful. Compared to wind turbines built in 1981, modern turbines generate 56 times the power at only 9 times the cost.
Wind farms require less capital and less construction lead time than traditional power plants.
They can therefore produce low-cost clean energy quickly and conveniently. A 50 MW wind power plant can be brought on-line in about 18 months. The output of a wind turbine depends on the turbine's size and the wind speed. Utility scale turbines now reach 1.5 MW in capacity with a rotor diameter of 70 m. Wind farms revitalize the economy of rural communities Wind farms can provide additional, steady income to rural communities through lease or royalty payments to landowners, principally farmers.