For Housing

Wind Power

With the creation of energy sources, public opinion and private land ownership are major concerns.  Wind turbines are a great source of renewable energy for your home or business.  However, as in all matters, there are advantages and disadvantages.

One of the obvious advantages is cost.  Wind is free.  While the initial investment is expensive, it is very capable of paying for itself in just a few years.  Wind turbines provide clean energy with no emissions of burnt fuel.  Wind turbines come in various sizes and can be used to generate power by the individual homeowner or by corporations and business owners on a larger commercial scale.  Remote areas that are otherwise not serviceable can be powered with alternative power sources such as wind turbines and solar power.

Space can be either an advantage or disadvantage.   On a small scale, it takes much less space to erect a wind turbine/s than it does to build a power station which also frees up more land that can be used for a multitude of purposes.  However, an actual wind farm for large commercial use, will require much more land than that needed by the opposing power station.

One of the main disadvantages of wind power is the reliability of the wind itself.  Many times, wind is too low to generate the power needed.  Alternative power sources such as solar power then come into play.  Additionally, many people who live near a “wind farm” complain of the noise output from the turbines and fear that this will lessen their property values.  Wind speed and turbine size also contribute to the noise factor.  This disadvantage is comparable to the odor factor complaint by property owners living near hog farms and dairy farms.  Visual appearance is also considered a disadvantage.  While some may view these wind turbines as a plus to the overall landscape, the majority look upon them as a disfigurement.  This is commonly referred to as the “nimby” problem otherwise known as “not in my back yard”.

As new technology to create power continues to be explored, complaints and problems will arise.  While advantages and disadvantages must always be considered, the fact remains that we are falling behind in energy needs for the future.   Cooperation between property owners, contractors, energy suppliers, environmental groups, and all government bodies involved such as EPA and OSHA is imperative and severely needed.

Going Green