"It will make a difference in the long run if other states follow our leadership," said state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore. "Honestly, I'd like to see us be No. 1 in wind power."

Supporters of the tax credit said it is important for the state to help promote sales of wind power systems. The technology will become more affordable as the industry grows, particularly if the price of other energy sources continues to rise.

"The higher the cost of fuel gets the more this bill makes sense," said state Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman, one of the bill's co-authors.

Terrill said another objective is to encourage energy independence, both at the national and individual level.

"We really need to start trying to free ourselves from some of our dependence on what is a finite and unstable energy source," Terrill said. "I mean, who wouldn't be interested in not having to pay for electricity?"

Bergey said it generally takes 20 to 30 years for small wind turbines to pay for themselves. But if Terrill's bill is enacted, the pay-back period could be reduced to as few as 12 years, he said.

Besides its potential to save money, wind power is good for the environment. According to the American Wind Energy Association, one 1.5 megawatt wind turbine, like those used in a 98-turbine wind farm near Weatherford, offsets 2,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and is the equivalent of planting 1.5 square miles of forest.

Derek Strong is a senior journalism student at the University of Oklahoma.