With the growth of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs), various technologies are developed for them. Permanent-magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) are used by these technologies due to special characteristics of PMSGs such as low weight and volume, high performance, and the elimination of the gearbox. In this paper, a new variable-speed WECS with a PMSG and Z-source inverter is proposed. Characteristics of Z-source inverter are used for maximum power tracking control and delivering power to the grid, simultaneously. Two control methods are proposed for delivering power to the grid: Capacitor voltage control and dc-link voltage control. Operation of system with these methods is compared from the viewpoint of power quality and total switching device power (TSDP). In addition, TSDP, current ripple of inductor, performance, and total harmonic distortion of grid current of proposed system is compared with traditional wind energy system with a boost converter.