Stability is the ability of an electric system to maintain a state of equilibrium during normal and abnormal system conditions or disturbances. Stand-alone systems are electric power systems independent of the network or grid, often used in remote locations where the cost of providing lines from large central power plants is prohibitive.

The stability of the boundary layer above the Earth’s surface can be described as stable, neutral and unstable. Stable conditions, when the surface of the Earth is cooling, are characterised by little vertical mixing of the air.. Unstable conditions occur when the Earth’s surface is heated and more vertical mixing occurs. Neutral conditions lie somewhere in between. We are largely concerned with conditions of neutral stability in wind energy.