Bergey Windpower Co. (BWC) has its origins in research activities - many involving the firm's principals - at the University of Oklahoma dating back to 1970. These activities included feasibility studies, consultation to the original NSF/ERDA wind program, and the construction of three experimental wind turbines. In 1977 work was begun on a small horizontal-axis wind turbine meant for production. During the following two years a number of advanced technologies including special airfoils, passive blade pitching, passive rotor speed control, and low-speed permanent magnet alternators were developed and integrated. These developments resulted in several patents and the unique "sophisticated simplicity" wind turbine design for which the company is known throughout the world. BWC's first product line was the BWC 1000. The oldest and most experienced manufacturer of residential-sized wind turbines in the world, Bergey pioneered the radically-simple Bergey design that has proven to provide the best reliability, performance, service life, and value of all of the hundreds of competitive products that have come and gone in that time. With only three moving parts and no scheduled maintenance necessary, the Bergey 10 kW has compiled a service record that no other wind turbine can match. Several decades later, Bergey Windpower Co. Inc. is still engaged in the design, manufacture, supply, and installation of small wind turbines for homeowners, farmers, small businesses, and public facilities worldwide. Sold through a network of authorized dealers in the United States and internationally, Bergey's products including inverters, towers, and battery strings and the companys projects portfolio includes backup power, drinking water, industrial application, irrigation, military application, off grid, telecommunication, utility bill reduction, water pumping, and water treatment system.
