Tilting At Windmills

Windmills are a very basic machine: they convert wind energy into rotational energy, which can be used to mill grain, haul water or generate electricity. Here are some of my favorite windmill shots from Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, California and few places in between. Enjoy!

Oklahoma Windpump

Originally, windmills were invented for milling grain and then adapted into windpumps that hauled water up from underground. At their height in the 1930’s, more than 600,000 windpumps dotted the Plains and the Southwest, signaling water like palms at an oasis.

Cerrillos Snow, Fog & Windpump

Today, windmills have evolved into massive turbines, each capable of producing enough electricity to power 1,000 homes for a year. Currently, 37 states have large scale wind farms that produce 2.3% of the electricity produced in the United States. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a goal for wind to produce 20% of the country’s electricity needs by 2030. China and the European Union are already halfway there.

Caprock Windfarm D.O.G., New Mexico

Centralia Wind Farm

Turbine Dogs, New Mexico

California Wind Farm- Tehachapi Pass, 4th largest wind farm in the country

Windmills don’t have to be massive to produce electricity. The turbine on my roof is smaller than a ceiling fan and produces about ten percent of my power. That might not sound like much, but on stormy days and at night, it brings in a continual stream of juice, which keeps my battery bank happy.

My rooftop wind turbine

"Original Star" in operation from the 1880's-1910 in Kendallville, Indiana

Between wind farms and rooftop turbines, wind has enormous potential for providing clean energy to this country. Windmills have a long, proud history in the US. Many historians believe the West could not have been settled without windpumps, which provided water to people and livestock.

Shattuck Windmill Museum, Oklahoma

For more Shattuck Windmill photos click here.