Abstract: A modular wind energy device for converting wind energy into mechanical energy, which includes a support structure configured for placement onto a support surface (36) and defining an axis of rotation (23) generally parallel thereto; one or more panemone type rotors (16) mounted onto the support structure for free rotation about the axis of rotation, having a pair of wing elements, of which, during rotation of the rotor in response to an airflow, at all times, one of the wing elements faces in an upstream direction and the other of the wing elements faces in a downstream direction; a power take off element associated with the one or more rotors; and shroud apparatus (10) for reducing resistance against the returning wing surfaces, and for directing the airflow toward the effective wing surfaces.