Turbine Powers Upstate N.Y. Organic Farm

Cross Island Farms, on Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River in Upstate new York, was already growing organic produce and free-range animal products. but the owners were looking to do even more to be green. So Dani Baker and David Belding worked with Alternative Power Solutions of Northern new York to explore wind power – and the result is a 120-foot-tall, 10-kilowatt wind turbine on the farm, the renewable-energy developer said.

Baker said she was inspired to look into the possibilities of using wind power by the whirring turbines she had seen in the American Southwest. “They were such a nice addition to the rural landscape,” she said. “When we decided to start Cross Island Farms we began investigating alternative power sources.”

1313942488 37 Turbine Powers Upstate N.Y. Organic Farm

image via Alternative Power Solutions

The local Board of Appeals was enthusiastic about the project after seeing a presentation, and approved it unanimously. In addition, Baker and Belding were supported by Thousand Island Land Trust, Indian River Lakes Conservancy and the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation, as well as by the community at large. They received grants for the project from new York’s Energy Research and Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which covered some of the installation costs.

1313942488 43 Turbine Powers Upstate N.Y. Organic Farm

image via Alternative Power Solutions

To ensure the safety of their free-ranging animals, Baker and Belding had to be extra careful about the specifics of the wind turbine. They opted to keep most of the turbine’s structure underground, with the tower and windmill freestanding above ground, removing the need for guide wires, and Belding plans to build a small fence around the tower itself.

Installing the wind turbine isn’t all Cross Island Farms has planned. other forms of alternative energy will be installed, including a solar array and a propane generator. Baker and Belding plan to work with Alternative Power Solutions on all of the projects. “This wind turbine is in an ideal location so close to the St. Lawrence River,” said Owen Pugh, owner of Alternative Power Solutions. “We estimate that it will supply the farm with hefty savings on their energy bill. It’s great to see more farmers taking advantage of alternative energy.”

How Do Wind Turbines Actually Work?

Many households and small businesses are turning to renewable energy solutions in order to lower electricity bills and help the UK lower carbon emissions. There are a number of options available, with solar PV panels and ground source heat pumps growing in popularity throughout Britain. However the UK is the windiest country in Europe, and wind power is the natural choice for many individuals considering an investment in green technology.

The UK government already generates significant energy from offshore and onshore wind farms, but generally businesses, farms and country estates are not situated in typical high wind speed areas. For sites in moderate wind speeds, most villages and small towns, a small domestic wind turbine could significantly lower energy bills while owners could benefit additionally from the government’s Feed-In Tariff scheme.

Small, domestic wind turbines operate in a similar way to the giant wind turbines in large wind farms. Large rotor blades rotate around a central hub, which is connected to a gear box that drives a generator. These are located inside what is known as the nacelle, which can be seen behind the rotating blades. All electrical components are housed inside the nacelle which sits on top of either a cylindrical tower or a lattice tower, depending on the manufacturer. This type of turbine is known as ‘horizontal axis’.

Tower height can range from 10m to 30m, with 18m being the most popular for small businesses, farms and country estates. Tower height is important to performance: there is a 10% difference in energy production between a 15m tower and an 18m tower. It is always recommended that anyone considering a wind turbine contacts the local authority before installation as some councils impose height limits depending on site location.

Site location is another factor that is crucial to the performance of a small wind turbine. It is important to consider the surrounding area and how the landscape could affect wind flow. A domestic wind turbine will operate best when there are very few obstacles in the surrounding area. An exposed location without many buildings, trees or hills is the perfect area for a wind turbine. It is possible to successfully install a wind turbine with good results in areas that contain wind flow obstructions, however results will not be quite as impressive.

Wind technology is improving all the time and with a growing number of suppliers in the market the costs of installing a small wind turbine have fallen dramatically. The UK government has set a number of energy targets to achieve over the next decade, and expects a large increase in domestic renewable energy installations throughout the country.

The introduction of the UK’s Feed-In Tariff allows owners of wind turbines to benefit from a payment for all clean energy generated. For example if a small domestic wind turbine with a rating of 11kW was installed on a site then the owner would benefit from 26.7p per kWh generated. On average an 11kW turbine would be likely to generate between 15,000 and 40,000 kWh per year, depending on wind speed (for example the difference between an average wind speed of 4.5 m/s and 6.5 m/s). In order to be eligible for the tariff the manufacturer and product must be listed on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme’s list of accredited suppliers.

It is important to understand how small wind turbines work and consider their suitability on a site by site basis. However there are a number of benefits to owning a small wind turbine, and after the initial investment there is the potential to earn significantly in a number of different ways.

Question by Courtney: Government policy concerning wind turbines and birds?

I am writing a paper for my college english class and it has to be about energy. The only interesting topic that I can find is how wind turbines are killing birds. Are there any government policies concerning wind turbines killing birds? Also, any other good ideas for a paper about energy? It can be any type of energy, I just have to have an arguable thesis statement.

Best answer:

Answer by Gertrud S
energy is too much of a problem to deal with here in this forum.

as for birds and turbines – jet planes kill birds, too. any kind
of turbine, or any kind of “machine” sucking in air may kill
birds.

the government cannot pass laws on all detail problems.

What do you think? Answer below!

default How Do Wind Turbines Actually Work?

Reno County Kansas explores wind energy during a visit to the Elk River Wind Farm near Beaumont Kansas

Top 3 Tips On How To Create Wind Turbines For Home Use

Article by Nikola Iliev

These are my top three tips on how to make your own wind turbines. These three tips will help you get started on your project to make your own wind turbine. This will in turn allow you to make your own electricity and thus reduce your dependence on your power company.

Tip No1: Make careful measurements of the wind current potential on your property

When planning a wind power installation, it is essential to measure the quality and the quantity of the wind current passing through your property. Is the wind strong enough? Are there enough windy days? These are some questions to consider at the beginning.

Naturally, it would not be a good investment to spend all the time and resources required to make your own wind turbine only to find out later that there was not enough wind to spin the blade. There is enough of good equipment and statistics around, so your research would not be that difficult, but you would still need to make it.

Tip No2: Decide whether it is best to purchase a wind turbine or make your own

Purchasing a wind turbine is definitely expensive and you can make your own easily. So why would we even be discussing this question? The thing is that you can make your own wind power system, but it would not be as sophisticated and stable as the prefabricated one.

If you are only looking to make enough electricity to cover a part of your electricity needs, then you need look no further than making your own wind turbine. This project would be easy and would not cost you more than a couple thousand dollars. A brand new turbine, on the other hand, costs over ,000, and this cost can easily go up to ,000. However, if you are looking into producing most of your electricity through wind power generation, then you are advised to purchase a prefabricated wind turbine.

Tip No3: The materials, tools, and procedures needed to build a wind turbine

Building a wind turbine is not difficult, but it has a certain step-by-step procedure that needs to be followed. Also, there are tools and materials that are required. These include a DC Power Motor, Battery Bank, Charge Controller, Dump Load, AC Inverter, Wire, and other miscellaneous tools and materials.

And how about the steps to follow? Well, there are several excellent guides for building a wind turbine, which cover those in great detail. They provide pictures and one of them even has videos, which show you how to do everything. In the end, it should be doable for any person, who has the required materials and tools. Yes, it can be easy, and you can make it by yourself!

These were my top 3 tips for those considering building their own wind turbine. While there are two decisions, which need to be taken before one builds a wind turbine, in the end it is easily doable. All that is required is a careful following of a set of instructions, and the necessary materials. In order to find out more about the available guides, simply follow the link below.

This article presents three tips for people who are interested into wind power generation. Among the things discussed are what needs to be done before starting the project, how to decide if you should buy a wind turbine or build your own, and what you need to do once you decide to build the turbine by yourself.

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Remanufacturing Provides New Life To Used Wind Turbines

Remanufactured or used turbines are a viable option for many seeking to take advantage of clean and renewable wind power. Schools, small and rural communities, farms, and businesses are just a few of those taking part in the repowering of aging and decommissioned wind systems. These renewable energy users are operating systems with the same nameplate capacity as new, but at a fraction of the price.

With the renewed interest in alternative and renewable energy sources over the past decade, along with renewable energy mandates and government incentives, new investment capital has been pouring into developing more efficient machines with higher output capacities. Wind turbine technology has rapidly advanced over the past decade. Many manufacturers are now building turbines with name plate capacities of several megawatts.

The 1979 oil and energy crisis in the United States spurred the installation of thousands of wind turbines in the American Southwest. Today’s turbines are producing as much as one hundred times the power of smaller wind turbines that were installed during the early 1980’s California wind rush. Denmark too was one of the first countries to adapt wind power on a larger scale. But now the Danish government has decided that the number of wind turbines should not be increased, and consequently wind turbine operators must take down existing generators, in order to get permission to build new ones.

It can be financially advantageous to erect a wind turbine with a larger nameplate capacity before the existing wind turbine is technically outdated. This is especially the case for Denmark, as the Danish government financially supports these repowering solutions. The advancement in technology, and financial incentives, is allowing wind farm operators to significantly increase their electricity production out of the same area of land both in the United States and in Europe.

However the existing wind turbines are often in good condition, and have many years of power producing life left. Some companies are “remanufacturing” these turbines and claiming they will continue to operate for an average of twenty years or more with proper maintenance. But not all remanufacturing companies are the same.

If a second hand turbine is properly remanufactured, every part and system from top to bottom will be overhauled. Bearings will be replaced, generators rewound, brake systems renewed, blades and towers inspected and cleaned. Most importantly the “gear box” will get the most attention. This is the system that endures the most wear as it’s designed to spin one thousand revolutions per minute for fifteen, twenty or thirty years. To take it a step further, the best remanufacturing companies are updating the control systems with new, digital, computerized systems that can be monitored remotely through the internet.

The most important thing for buyers is to make sure the company selling the remanufactured wind turbine stands behind their finished product. Most remanufacturers offer at least a one year warranty. Good companies will offer at least a two year warranty and the option of an extension. It’s also important for consumers to check with their state’s renewable energy incentives programs. Some states like Ohio require a five year warranty in order for the turbine to be eligible for their subsidy schemes.

Question by FallingOutWithFallOutBoy: How do Wind Turbines convert wind into energy?

I am doing a project for school (its not for a class but its for a teacher me and my friends hang with at lunch) and it has to do with renewable energy. and I need to know how wind turbines convert wind into usable energy.

also if you can tell me how they convert the tides’ and suns’ natural energy into energy used for everyday appliances like lightbulbs and machines.

thanks in advance!
thanks for all the great answers!!!

I think this is the most amount of answers I have ever gotten when I’ve asked a question.

Best answer:

Answer by joem
Most modern wind power is generated in the form of electricity by converting the rotation of turbine blades into electrical current by means of an electrical generator.

Give your answer to this question below!

Airborne wind turbines

Airborne wind turbines may soon be generating power from high-altitude winds to provide consistent, clean, cheap, and abundant energy for a power-hungry world

Learn To Build Wind Turbines

Article by bernardita brimbuela

How would you react if your neighbor told you she was going to build wind turbines? Pretty impressed? The truth is that it is not difficult to build wind turbines and many homeowners are taking the challenge to build their own wind turbines as a cost-effective means to utilizing renewable energies. It isn’t exactly snap-your-fingers easy to build wind turbines either, but with the proper plans and a motivated builder you can be building wind turbines in no time.

It is definitely your best bet, before setting out to build wind turbines, to purchase an instruction manual or guide to follow. Remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to instructions. Make sure you find a manual that is easy to read with detailed instructions. There are also many online resources and forums to help guide you through your wind turbine building process.

To familiarize yourself with the basics, before you get started on your project to build wind turbines, there are four basic components to wind turbines. To build wind turbines you must be familiar with the towers, the batteries, the turbines and the tail and propeller assembly. The tools generally required to build wind turbines are simple as well, you will need wrenches, a saw and a drill. There may also be a need for additional tools depending on how of the wind turbine you will be building yourself.

One part that you will probably be ordering when you decide to build wind turbines is the motor. The motors on wind turbines do require regular maintenance and oiling for continued efficiency, but this is a small price to pay for the excellent energy these systems provide. In addition to the motor, you are definitely going to need a good-sized workspace. Depending on your target energy output, your propellers or blades could get up to 8 feet in diameter (4 ft blades).

It takes a little work to build wind turbines, but there is really nothing overly complicated about the process and generally the process can be fairly inexpensive once you are operational and your electric bills are dropping each month. Building wind turbines is also a fast growing occupation worldwide as technicians are tough to find. So learn how to build wind turbines for yourself and take advantage of the opportunities free electricity and know how can provide.

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Question by Julie: How many birds are killed in a year due to wind turbines?

It doesn’t have to be a year, as long as you can give an amount within a certain time span. I’m just trying to compare the amount of bird deaths due to turbines to deaths due to air pollution in fossil fuels, because people complain that wind power is a harm to animal life.

Best answer:

Answer by Fernando
i saw 3 killed in my lifetime it was sad i almostcried

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

default Learn To Build Wind Turbines

Bird vs Wind Turbine instantlyviral.com

Video Rating: 4 / 5

Windside Wind Turbines: Changing Wind Energy as You Know It

In 1979, Risto Joutsiniemi developed Windside wind turbines. Based in Finland, Windside manufactures and distributes Joutsiniemi’s revolutionary design today. The Windside wind turbine doesn’t look like the kind of wind turbine that you’re familiar with. The wind turbine that you probably imagine has a tall, narrow base and three blades that rotate like a fan. The Windside wind turbine has a completely different design.

Windside turbines resemble a DNA helix more than they resemble traditional wind turbines. They look like they could easily be a part of a modern art installation or new architectural design. Basically, the general design of the Windside turbines include two large, flat panels that wind their way up the center in a curvy manner.

A more technical description is offered by Windside, explaining that their turbines are “a vertical wind turbine based on sailing engineering principles. The turbine rotor is rotated by two spiral-formed vanes”. The Windside turbines are actually 50% more efficient than traditional wind turbines and because they don’t have giant rotating blades, they can be placed more closely together and do not pose any threats to wildlife! Now that’s revolutionary!

One of the most unique things about Windside turbines is their wide range of capacity. They can generate electricity with wind speeds as low as 1-3 m/s (about 2.25mph) and can continue to produce electricity with wind speeds as high as 60 m/s (135mph). This is substantial because the average world wind speed is only 3 m/s (6.75mph). So, while most wind turbines can’t pick up the lower wind speeds, the Windside turbine can. The spiral vane shape of the Windside turbine also means that the rotation doesn’t ever exceed wind speed, so they’re completely silent! As previously mentioned, their design makes them appear to be solid objects, so birds do not fly into them.

The Windside turbine is the perfect example of the amazing things that humans can accomplish when given the opportunity to create and innovate something outside the box. Windside turbines are currently in operation throughout Europe and Asia. An interesting possibility created by Windside is their Wind Art Work. Basically, the company envisioned the turbine incorporated into a piece of art where it could provide its own lighting. As they put it, “In this joint creation of an art and engineering, beauty, function and ecology are combined. All the advantages of the turbine together with the beautiful design and use of color create a highly individual artwork that can be appreciated day or night.”

EnviroCitizen.org things this is a pretty amazing feature, especially when you consider the fact that Windside turbines are being placed in densely populated areas such as parks or incorporated into buildings. This unique feature—a piece of functional art—enhances the environment both in the sense that it is aesthetically pleasing and that it’s creating clean, green, renewable energy. What a beautiful, effective way to create awareness!

Question by Dede: what is one advantage of using wind turbines rather than burning fossil fuels to produce electricity?

Also so these another one describe one disadvantage of using wind turbines rather than burning fossil fuels to produce electricity if you answer my question please answer both questions putting either a or b or 1 and 2 but you have to put the advantage and the disadvantage.Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Best answer:

Answer by Thermal
There is no actual advantage. However, fossil fuels are abound to run out so would you rather use something that lasts for ever or something that will soon run out?

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Lastest Wind Turbines News

Article by Jonathan Thompson

Nearly everybody is familiar with what a wind turbine is and how they produce energy, however for those who don’t know I will explain. The standard design resembles a small windmill on a toll structure. As the big propeller is spun by the wind, the rotor inside rotates to produce electricity. Inside the generator are many magnets and lots of copper wire, which generates electricity. This method has been used for many years in some other types of generators. Wind turbines, as the name shows, call for wind to function. The reason why turbines are built so tall is to take advantage of the more robust winds found at more significant altitudes. This height makes it possible for the rotor to obtain more exposure to the wind and subsequently create far more electricity. Obviously there should be enough wind to generate electricity from the get go. Historical weather info is carefully analyzed to select sites that will provide sufficient steady winds for the turbines. This has a tendency to mean they are situated along coastlines where it is usually very windy. Although wind speed is the most vital variable to measure, wind direction will also have an impact on the efficiency of the installation. To conform to varying wind directions, the turbines are made to continually face into the wind, irregardless of direction. Because of their reliable design, turbines can create a lot of power that can be implemented for domestic or industrial applications. When there is no wind, a battery backup set up is used to fulfill electrical needs. Due to the high initial investment, which will require many years to recover, wind turbines require a long-term perspective. A positive aspect of these turbines, compared to solar panels, is they do not require sunlight. Wind turbines can produce as much power at night as during the day, lowering the battery storage specifications in some cases. Turbines are incredibly clean to run, eliminating concerns about pollution. The traditional sources of hydro, including nuclear reactors, create incredible pollution that could be eliminated by turbines. Another benefit is that turbines are capturing energy from a continuously renewing source. This indicates that turbines will usually be able to produce energy if they are located in high wind locations. As with nearly anything there are some drawbacks of utilizing wind turbines for energy. They’re certainly not a pretty sight, particularly because they’re so large. When grouped in groups, such as the large commercial installations in coastal districts and even out at sea, exactly where there are high winds, they are certainly not an attractive site. Noise pollution is an additional complaint because of the friction of the rotor against the shaft when it spins. Another major matter that people have noted is that birds and bats (bats especially) have a tendency to fly into them. The spinning rotors interrupt the bats’ ability to steer clear of physical objects with their sonar readings. There are no data on how often this happens, nevertheless. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines, they have got a lot going in their favor. Wind turbines offer remarkable promise for generating clean, renewable and safe energy, with few serious downsides.

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Lastest Wind Turbines News

Question by : What is wrong with putting wind turbines on hybrid vehicles?

See, here’s the thing. Hybrid cars only really work in city traffic where you use the break a lot. On the highway, they run mostly on gas. So why don’t they put wind turbines on it so the air rushing past at 70 mph helps charge the battery? Ignore the obvious aesthetics issues, I am sure they could make a sexy looking design.

Best answer:

Answer by jonboy2five
the aerodynamics of a wind turbine on a car would create excessive drag and negate the mileage of the hybrid vehicle. it would require more power than it produced…

remember, natural wind is “free”, but a cars speed is NOT.

Give your answer to this question below!

Converting wind power into electricity is the function of wind turbines.If you imagine a plane propeller sitting atop a tall tower, this is what a turbine looks like.Electricity is made by the generator, housed within the turbine casing, any time the rotor is turned by the wind.As with almost all types of power generators, magnets as well as copper wires are set up to create a charge any time the rotor spins.This method has been utilized for many years in various other types of generators.

There needs to be sufficient wind to move the blades for these power generators to make electricity.The standard height for wind turbines is actually 30 meters, which permits them to utilize the more powerful winds that take place at that height.The main objective of acquiring more of the wind power is to produce more electricity utilizing the turbines.Obviously there needs to be enough wind to generate electricity from the outset.Historical weather information is carefully analyzed to select sites that will supply sufficient continuous winds for the turbines.Many coastal areas are ideal because of steady high winds.Although wind speed is the most important variable to measure, wind direction may also have an impact on the performance of the installation.A time tested layout, adapted from the early wind powered water pumps, makes use of a tall fin to point the propeller straight into the wind, regardless of the direction it emanates from.

Wind turbines can create quite a lot of energy; one turbine can generate electricity for one house, or perhaps they can be used to power machinery which in turn does something like grinding wheat.You can also place the electricity into batteries to use when there is no wind.While they can certainly produce a lot of electricity, they are not cheap at all and getting back your initial investment on one will take many years.Unlike various other green energy methods, wind turbines will always work 24/7, providing there is wind.In areas that experience several hours of darkness during some seasons, turbines may be a far better green solution than solar panels.With so much anxiety about pollution these days, turbines are a great alternative because they are so clean.The standard sources of hydro, such as nuclear reactors, create tremendous pollution that could be reduced by turbines.The energy source is additionally renewable, just like solar energy, as there is always wind blowing.There is no danger of turbines lacking propulsion.

As with nearly anything there are some disadvantages of implementing wind turbines for energy.They’re definitely not a pretty sight, especially because they’re so massive.Many government authorities choose to put wind turbines on coastal areas and out to sea as a result of the large amounts of wind in these areas, but many people complain saying that they blight the landscape.They are also very noisy due to the rotor creating sound as it rotates.Another major issue that people have mentioned is that birds and bats (bats especially) have a tendency to fly into them.The reason stated for bats soaring into wind turbines is that the activity in the air disrupts their ability to hear and see with sonar.This doesn’t happen often, but whenever it does, it is sad.

Wind turbines certainly seem to be a great source of energy, but needless to say there are downsides like with anything.They can play a major role in our long term energy plans if they are applied carefully.

Are Wind Turbines Good Or Hazardous?

Article by Meryl Plyth

Changing wind power into electricity is normally the purpose of wind turbines. A traditional wind turbine is a tall tower that has blades connected to a rotor. Electricity is made by the generator, housed within the turbine casing, any time the rotor is rotated by the wind. The generator is a typical design composed of magnets and copper cables. It is a somewhat simple technique.

Wind turbines, as the name shows, require wind to work. The explanation as to why turbines are built so tall is to take advantage of the more potent winds found at more significant altitudes. This height allows the rotor to obtain more exposure to the wind and therefore create a lot more electricity. Obviously there needs to be enough wind to produce electricity in the first place. This is precisely why extensive research is conducted on areas for potential wind turbines to make sure that there’s enough wind to generate energy. Many coastal areas are ideal thanks to steady high winds. Although wind speed is the most crucial variable to measure, wind direction may even have an impact on the performance of the installation. Nevertheless the design is incredibly clever and they are built so that the rotor turns towards the wind, enabling them to pick up the wind from any direction.

Because of their efficient design, turbines can generate a lot of power that can be used for domestic or commercial applications. You can also place the electricity into batteries for times when there is no wind. As a result of the high initial investment, which will demand decades to recover, wind turbines require a long-term perspective. Unlike some other green energy methods, wind turbines will consistently work 24/7, providing there is wind. Solar panels can’t function in the dark whereas wind turbines can. Turbines are extremely clean to run, removing fears about pollution. This suggests that wind turbines do not contribute towards the effects of global warming because there are no fuels being burned and no emissions being released into the atmosphere. Harnessing the power of the wind is utilizing a truly environmentally friendly resource. This indicates that turbines will invariably be able to produce electrical power if they are located in high wind areas.

While they have a lot going for them, there are some drawbacks to consider. Many men and women don’t want to be viewing a tall tower with a propeller on the top outside their window. Many government authorities choose to put wind turbines on coast areas and out to sea because of the large amounts of wind in these types of areas, but many people grumble saying that they blight the surroundings. Noise pollution is another complaint as a result of the friction of the rotor on the shaft when it spins. Wildlife enthusiasts complain that birds and bats are destroyed by them. Bats particularly are susceptible, because their sonar system is disturbed by the rapid movement in the air. There are no figures on how often this happens, nevertheless.

Wind turbines definitely seem to be a good source of energy, but obviously there are disadvantages like with anything. With appropriate planning they can be very useful and beneficial.

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by ali_pk

Question by Southerngirl29: What companies hire to build wind turbines?

My husband wants to find companies who hire for building wind turbines. We realize that the best people to talk to are subcontractors, but I have searched all over the internet, and I can’t find any jobs. I know that Iowa has a project going on now, but we can’t find who is hiring. Also, my husband has been in many phases of construction, but he has zero experience in this area. He would like to learn, however, so who would he talk to?

Best answer:

Answer by billrussell42
here are lists of companies that are active in this area. Check their web pages and look for a personal page or a human resource page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wind_turbine_manufacturers

http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byP/wRP/lwindturbine/byB/mfg/mfg.shtml

http://www.awea.org/smallwind/smsyslst.html

Add your own answer in the comments!