Wind turbines are big in terms of height because the wind is stronger further from the ground. Energy in the wind is a function of the cube of wind velocity, so a 4 m/s wind has over twice the energy as a 3 m/s wind. read more
Wind-power generators are big because of the wind velocity in higher altitudes. You have much faster wind if you go to higher altitudes. Another reason are wind turbulence in the proximity of the ground. read more