The wind has been a significant energy source in America in rural areas and has played a great part in the settlement of the west. The mechanical windmill was deemed one of the two "high-technology" creations (one of which was barbed wire) of the late 1800's and paved the way for the development of the western frontier. More than 8 million mechanical windmills were installed in America beginning in the 1860's and some of them are still in operation today. Back in the 1920's and 1930's, families who lived in farms in the Midwest area utilized wind generators rated at 200-3000 watts for powering up their lights, devices like radios, and certain kitchen appliances.
Wind energy regained popularity around the late 70's and early 80’s because of the so called energy crisis at that time. As people began to search for different sources of renewable energy alternatives, small wind turbines came into the picture and were considered to be a cost-efficient means in dealing with such crisis. Tax credits and favorable federal regulations allowed for the installation of more than 4,500 small, 1-25 kW, utility-intertied wind systems at households between 1967 and 1985. An additional 1000 systems were put up for different remote applications.
Small wind turbines have been installed in all of the fifty States. After the expiration of federal tax credit in 1985 and following the oil price drop to $10 per barrel two months later, most of the small wind turbine industry were not able to stay in business. The companies that continue to produce wind systems are considered to be reputable and good providers of products. New companies and designs are entering the market as the price of oil and gas continue to rise.
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