Abstract Most small wind machines were operated as stand-alone systems prior to 1970, when electrical generating machines started being connected to the utility grid. For centuries, small wind systems have been used for pumping water and grinding grain. Almost all of the wind systems sold that are less than 1 kW in size are used for battery charging; they are used in homes, on boats, for outdoor security lighting, and for navigational lighting. Water pumping remains a large user of small mechanical wind systems. Hybrid wind systems used in remote villages and islands are included in this discussion.