Arizona's increasing energy needs can be assisted by the development of wind power of clean, comestic renewable source that can compete with conventional fuel sources.

Arizona has wind resources consistent with utility-scale production. The larger contiguous areas of good-to-excellent resource are located in northern and eastern Arizona close to the eastern edge of the Mogollon Rim. Good-to-excellent wind resources are also found on the higher rims and ridge crests throughout the state.

Wind energy is produces by rotates blades around a hub, which is connected to the main shaft. The main shaft spins a generator. The size of turbines is determined by how
much energy is needed. Small wind turbines are usually used for homes, farms and ranches. Other ways to use wind energy include grinding grain and pumping water.

Wind is classed in categories of 1 through 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. A good wind source has a class of 3 or higher.

The disadvantages of wind energy are that again, the technology is very expensive, the machinery is known to be noisy, birds have been killed by running into the turbines, and the wind might not be present at certain times throughout the year.

But it is time to explore your options for this clean, renewable resource.