Ventera Wind has been making wind into energy in Duluth for over 30 years. Their unique design allows for the most efficient wind energy production.
Jonathan Peters, the Regional Sales Director tells me, "This is called a down–wind machine, so the wind comes from behind the machine and it self–orientates to find the wind 360 degrees."
The blades are also specially designed to govern the rotation of the blades during strong wind events, allowing for more energy to be harnessed from strong winds.
"This is the magnet," I explain, "and the blades attach to the magnet which then sits in this coil unit here and spins around and thats what creates the electricity. And its a strong magnet."
"That power is simply sent down tower here through a slip ring right to our inverters and right to your house or farm." says Peters.
However, not all geographical places are efficient at harnessing wind power.
Peters said, "I think up onto of the hill is better, Duluth basin and Superior not so much. The plain sates, from central Minnesota all the way down to Texas into the Dakotas is fine."
And there are certain seasons better suited for wind energy.
"In North America, especially in the northern states, I would say winter is the best time to create wind energy. Coincidentally, it's when we have higher electricity bills. I think the lower times of the year for production would be July and August." Peters said.
During the summer months when wind energy may be low, customers of Ventera Wind will often supplement with solar power. However, wind power has the ability to collect energy both during the day, and at night.
Meteorologist Adam Lorch