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Wind and Sun Among the top energy alternatives, wind and solar power have gained the most ground in popularity and effectiveness. Wind was recently rated the world's fastest-growing source of new power and its energy capacity grew at an annual rate of 25 percent to 35 percent a year over the past decade, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Part of the strategy has been in building bigger and bigger windmills that can stretch to higher levels where wind blows stronger. The giant windmills, which now reach up to 300 feet in height, also feature sprawling blades, some as long as football fields, that can generate more power. Although wind power doesn't pollute the environment, it isn't entirely harmless. The giant windmills take up vast swathes of land and their giant blades often chop down flying birds. Solar power has not advanced at the same rate as wind power, but researchers hope cutting edge technology might improve its standing as a U.S. power source in the near future. "If you can supply roof shingles or side panels that generate solar power, then sola