Setting up a wind turbine
A site where average wind speed is 20 miles/hr might generate twice as much power as a site where average wind speed is only 15 miles/hr.
Once you have decided that you are going to set up a wind turbine on your property, the following factors may also require your attention. Always remember that higher is better: ideally, your turbine should be thirty feet above any obstacles, with at least 300 feet of clear area around it.
- Wind consistency. An ideal wind turbine site has stable high speeds. Instability can put extra stress on the tower and other turbine elements.
- Noise. There is some remaining prejudice against wind power regarding the noise of turbines. Innovations over the last few years have made wind turbines far less noisy than those built in the early days of wind power. However, if this is still a concern, you may want to be careful to choose a site away from residences.
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- Safety. Show proper concern for safety, using fencing and warning signs
- Environmental impact. Be aware of animal habitats nearby. Similar to the perceived problem of noise, there is some largely unfounded prejudice against wind, in this case over deaths of small birds. Studies show that bird mortality is negligible due to wind farms. However, be aware of the animals and botany around your wind tower micro site.
- Zoning. Of course, you will need to know the zoning bylaws and other restrictions related to the situating of your wind turbine.
- Aesthetics. Of course, this is a last concern, but if you can blend your turbine with the landscape or place several wind turbines in an eye-pleasing manner, this could draw positive attention to your wind energy system.
