Another aspect of Wind Energy to consider is.. that the wind is variable. To maintain a constant state of power.. other sources have to be balanced to handle the fluctuations in power to maintain a constant cycle.
Up here in the Pacific Northwest.. where a extensive grid of Damns provide 45% of the regions power.. They have to throttle back the dams when the winds increase.... To do that. they reduce the water flow of the turbines and open a few flood gates. The environmentalists hate that because they claim it kills the fish.
Wind energy provides only 7% of the electricity on the Bonneville Power Administrations grid..
Wind Energy is a neat concept.. but spoiling of views, noise in some areas.. Its Not the answer to all the energy needs of the country
According to an article in the Houston paper yesterday, Texas added 2671 MW of wind power in 2008. Iowa added 1600 MW to surpass California.