Remote

Remote systems are small, relatively cheap sources of energy. They are best suited for rural environments because they can be left unattended for long periods of time. Further, they can operate under harsh conditions, and thus have potential for powering extremely remote regions of the world.

A small wind turbine built by the Atlantic Orient Corporation well-suited for remote regions. Credit: Warren Gretz. Courtesy of DOE/NREL

The BWC EXCEL: A 10 kilowatt wind turbine requiring low maintenance. Credit: Bergey Windpower Co., Inc. Courtesy of DOE/NREL

This hybrid power system near Xcalak, Mexico serves 400 residents and is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Credit: Bergey Windpower. Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Hybrid

The very nature of wind-powered generators makes them ideal to use in conjuction with other sources of energy. Wind and solar generators have been extremely successful as supplements to one another. The presence of the wind generator means that the other energy source does not have to be producing as much of the time.

Grid Connected

Grid Connected systems are already in wide use in areas that are already hooked up to a utility grid. Their main use is as a supplement to other forms of energy. This is important because average wind turbines only generate electricity about 25% of the time.

A 500 kW wind power project in San Clemente Island, California that is integrated into the island's electrical grid system. Credit: Ed McKenna. Courtesy of DOE/NREL

Another California utility program integrating high-tech wind power plants. Credit: Warren Gretz. Courtesy of DOE/NREL

A windmill farm in northern California

Utilities

Because individual wind-powered systems by themselves do not produce a great deal of energy, so-called "wind farms" have been developed. These collections of many wind generators gathered in one place provide a source of relatively high energy output.