"A practical guide to small-scale energy production"--Cover.

"Books for wiser living, Mother Earth news recommendation"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 251-258) and index.

Preface -- 1: Introduction To Small-Scale Wind Energy -- World wind energy resources -- Pros and cons of wind energy -- Purpose of this book -- Organization of this book -- 2: Understanding Wind And Wind Energy -- What is wind? -- Offshore and onshore winds -- Mountain-valley breezes -- Large-scale wind currents -- Wind from storms -- Friction and turbulence and smart siting -- Mathematics of wind power -- Closing thoughts -- 3: Wind Energy Systems -- Components of a wind energy system -- Wind energy system options -- Grid-connected systems with battery backup -- Off-grid (stand-alone) systems -- Hybrid systems -- Choosing a wind energy system -- 4: Wind Site Assessment -- Assessing electrical demand -- Conservation and efficiency first! -- Assessing your wind resource -- How much electricity will a wind turbine produce? -- Does a wind system make economic sense? -- Putting it all together -- 5: Primer On Wind Generators -- Anatomy of a wind turbine -- Improvements in small wind turbines -- Main Components of Wind Turbines -- What to look for when buying a wind machine -- Other considerations -- Building your own wind machine -- Conclusion -- 6: Towers And Tower Installation -- Tower options -- Homebrew towers -- Tower kits -- Tower anchors and bases -- Safety First -- Siting a tower -- Aircraft safety and the FAA -- Protecting against lightning -- 7: Understanding Batteries -- What types of batteries work best? -- Will any lead-acid battery work? -- Wiring a battery bank -- Sizing a battery bank -- Battery maintenance and safety -- Living with batteries -- 8: Inverters -- Battery-based inverters for off-grid systems -- Batteryless grid-tied inverters -- Multifunction inverters -- Buying an inverter -- Conclusion -- 9: Maintaining A Wind-Electric System -- What's required -- Climbable towers -- Tilt-up towers -- Final inspections -- Conclusion -- 10: Final Considerations: Zoning, Permits, Covenants, Utility Companies, Insurance And Buying A System -- Zoning, building permits, and restrictive covenants -- Zoning regulations -- Connecting to the grid: Working with your local utility -- Insurance requirements -- Buying a wind energy system -- Parting thoughts -- Endnotes -- Resource guide -- Index -- About the authors.

Synopsis: Faced with frequent power outages, skyrocketing energy costs, and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources, homeowners and businesses are beginning to explore ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint and to achieve greater independence. Power From the Wind is an easy-to-understand guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems and includes information on the following: Ways to assess wind resources at your site; Wind turbines, towers, inverters, and batteries; Installation, maintenance, and costs. This book is designed to help readers make the smartest, most economical choices. Readers will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions during the design, purchase, and installation of small wind energy systems and to communicate effectively with wind system installers. Dan Chiras is an internationally acclaimed author who has published over twenty-four books, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy. He is a certified wind site assessor and has installed several residential wind systems. Dan lives in a passive solar home in Evergreen, Colorado. Mick Sagrillo is the wind technology specialist for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy. Ian Woofenden is a wind electricity editor, writer, workshop coordinator, instructor, and user in Washington's San Juan Islands.