Wind Energy and Wind Power

Are Wind Farms a Serious Threat to Birds?

That has been one of the standard objections of groups who hope to block wind farm development.
     Longer, slower-turning and more visible blades have greatly reduced the hazard for migrating birds, but a study by the National Academy of Sciences says that tens of thousands a year are still whacked.
     But that same study says that, if you want to eliminate threats to birds, start with house cats, pesticides and power lines. They are collectively responsible for killing hundreds of millions of birds annually.
wind power
... Small, 30-foot turbines for homes or businesses could be a growth industry
has been reduced, although not eliminated. Besides, millions of birds also fly into tall buildings or towers which are stationary.

The final concern about wind mills or wind farms is noise. Ironically, the older, noisier wind turbines probably warned migrating birds while the newer, quieter versions may not. Since most wind farms are located in remote areas or offshore, however, noise is not usually a major problem for local residents.

Domestic or Small Business Installations

One of the virtues of wind power, as well as solar power, is that power generation is local, and if consumed locally, does not require a massive transmission system or dependence on a distant power plant or utility. Thanks to a surge in new, small-scale energy technology, supported by venture capitalists, single windmills are now available for homeowners or small businesses. Once installed, the costs of operation are not only minimal but the owners are protected against rising costs of utility-supplied electricity. Harnessing wind power locally offers relatively inexpensive energy security for small businesses and turbine manufacturers anticipate strong growth in this sector.

Unlike the 200 foot high towers with huge blades of wind farms, these windmills are only 30 feet high with small blades and can provide 90% of the energy needs of a home or small business for an investment of $10,000 to $13,000. They only require a half-acre of land and an average wind speed of 9 MPH. While these have been described as “flagpoles with blades,” smaller and quieter roof-mounted turbines have sprung up in Canada and Europe, though generating less power because of their lower height or the interference of other structures.

Although some of the latest versions produce no more noise than an attic fan or air conditioner, neighbors may still object to the noise or zoning restrictions may limit the height or placement of these domestic windmills. On the other hand, several states already offer incentives or rebates for renewable energy installations and most utilities will give credit for excess energy not used by the homeowner or business. Federal legislation is also pending that would extend credits on federal taxes, based on the number of kilowatts generated.

State Programs to Encourage Renewable Energy

California which has the highest electricity rates in the nation and experienced blackouts as a result of a poorly conceived deregulation plan and price manipulation by out-of-state energy brokers. To induce less reliance on power plants, the state will pay for almost half of the cost of a small wind system. The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers a rebate for wind generated electricity,