Wind energy today is a booming worldwide industry. The technology has truly come of age, with better, more reliable machinery and a greater understanding of how and where wind power makes sense - from the independent developer to the grid-connected utility-wide perspective. Heightened concerns about our ravaged environment and our dependence on dwindling fossil fuels have stimulated a resurgence of interest in wind energy - an abundant and renewable resource.

Wind Power is a completely revised and expanded edition of Paul Gipe's definitive 1993 book Wind Power for Home and Business. In addition to expanded sections on gauging wind resources and siting wind turbines, this edition includes new examples and case studies of successful wind systems, international sources for new and used equipment, and hundreds of colour photographs and illustrations.

About the author(s)

The World Renewable Energy Congress named Paul Gipe a 'pioneer in renewable energy' in 1998. Since the mid-1970s, Gipe's award-winning research, writing, and advocacy have had a profound impact on the development and public perception of wind power. He is also the author of Wind Energy Basics (Chelsea Green, 1999) and Wind Energy comes of Age. He lives in Bakersfield, California.

Contents

Preface * Acknowledgements * Introduction * Applications - How to Use the Wind * Measuring the Wind * Estimating Output - How Much to Expect * Economics - Does Wind Pay? * Evaluating the Technology - What Works and What Doesn't * Towers * Cutting Costs, Not Corners * Buying a Wind System * Interconnection with the Utility * Off-the-grid Power Systems * Pumping Water * Siting * Installation * Operation, Performance and Maintenance * Safety * Looking to the Future * Appendices * Bibliography * Glossary of Wind Energy Technology * Index