This is due to the fact that wind farms can be built in agricultural areas without disturbing the farmland. While wind farms take up a large amount of land, since each turbine requires approximately 2 acres of land, the relative impact can be minimal. The resulting production of 25 megawatts of energy is enough to power 5,600 - 7,500 American homes. If you were to group such wind turbines together into a wind farm you would get the follow energy outputs: ten 700 Kilowatt machines would produce 7 megawatts of energy while ten 2.5 megawatt machines would produce 25 megawatts. These large-scale wind turbines have energy production rates of 750 kilowatts to 2.5 megawatts. Because large-scale energy production is desired through wind farms, large, commercial grade wind turbines are used. Wind farm energy production ranges from a few megawatts to hundreds of megawatts. To produce energy on a large scale, wind turbines are grouped together to create wind farms. One megawatt of electrical energy is enough to power 225 - 300 typical American homes. For example, a 10 kilowatt turbine produces 10 kilowatts of energy per year, which is enough energy to power the average family home for one year. The energy output designation is based upon how much energy the wind turbine produces in one year. The energy output of wind turbines is measured in watts, kilowatts, and megawatts. The greater size is due in large part to the fact that it is easier to transport the large-scale equipment by ship than by land. An average offshore wind turbine has a blade diameter of 110 meters. Recent developments in offshore wind turbine construction have allowed for great size, and therefore greater energy production. However, this land can be farmed and grazed, minimizing the impact. A wind turbine of this size requires 2 acres of land. If the wind turbine has a blade diameter of 90 meters, the tower height would match that, at 90 meters, creating a total height of approximately 135 meters (442 feet). The average wind turbine in a wind farm has a 50 - 90 meter blade diameter with a tower height in the same range. A small-scale wind turbine for a home or business averages a rotor blade diameter of 8 meters and tower height of 40 meters. Energy production increases with the height and diameter of the rotor blades. The size of wind turbines varies with their use and location. Grounding equipment, primarily copper, helps to protect the turbines, and people, from lightning strikes. It is crucial that wind turbines have a way of dissipating the energy and protecting the mechanical components from lightning strikes and with increased tower height the risk of lightning strikes also increases. Grounding equipment is found at the base of wind turbine towers. Electrical equipment, primarily wire, runs through the steel towers so that the energy can be dispersed to either an individual client or transported to the electrical grid. Because there is less air turbulence at greater heights, wind turbines are most effective mounted on tall towers. Wind turbines are placed on towers reaching anywhere from 40 - 90 meters high. The circular motion of the turbine powers the generator, which then works to convert the kinetic wind energy into electrical energy. The nacelle houses the drive train, gearbox and generator. The rotor blades transform wind energy into rotational energy within the turbine. The most common model for horizontal axis wind turbines has three rotor blades, constructed of fiberglass reinforced polyester or wood-epoxy. Wind turbines consist of a rotor blade, nacelle, tower, and electrical equipment. There are several parts that work in wind turbines to convert the wind's energy into electrical energy. Department of Energy for more information.

Home wind turbine towers