[couslee]

Actually, windmills are used extensively towards the west cost. Indio, Ca. has a LOT of them providing power for the town. Also, they really don take up any more space than one of those large electrical cable towers. wind is abundant and free, and there is a lot of cheap open property in the high deserts. they also don't harm the environment, other than the trampling that would occur duing the construction phaze, which with a little effort, a lot can be avoided. The major set-back to them, is the construction cost. you have the framing, the prop, and the large generator for each one. so even if it was windy every day where they were set up, it would take quite a while before the break even point. even in areas know for wind, it is not always a given. they are a good long term investment, but with a lot of up-front cost. the other associated costs are maintenence on the generators (and labor for that, trucks, insurance, ect). and destruction from weather damage. IE lightning, tornadoes, hail. so there is also a risk involved. I think that if a group wanted to persue the endeavor, and not do it half-assed, they could turn a profit within a decade. and, once the black line was reached, they would be very profitable, even in the event of a bad storm. a large group of them spinning day and night produce a considerable amout of electricity. I personally would not hesitate to invest in such a project, but have not the funds to do so. oh well.

edit in:
another thing that can be done to increase profitability, is use them in conjunction with solar panels.

[ January 29, 2003, 12:23: Message edited by: couslee ]