A small wind energy system can provide you with a practical and economical source of electricity if:
- Your property has a good wind resource.
- Your home or business is located on at least one acre of land in a rural area.
- Your local zoning codes or covenants allow wind turbines.
- Your average electricity bills are $150 per month or more.
- Your property is in a remote location without easy access to utility lines.
- You are comfortable with long-term investments.
Before you invest in a wind energy system, you should research potential obstacles. Some jurisdictions, for example, restrict the height of the structures permitted in residentially zoned areas, although variances are often obtainable. Most zoning ordinances have a height limit of 35ft, you can find out about the zoning restrictions in your area by calling the local building inspector, board supervisors, or planning board. They can tell you if you will need to obtain a building permit and provide you with a list of requirements. In addition to zoning issues, your neighbors might object to a wind machine that blocks their view, they might be concerned about noise as well. Most zoning and aesthetic concerns can be addressed by supplying objective data. For example, the ambient noise level of most modern residential wind turbines is around 52 to 55 decibels. This means that a residentialsized wind turbine is no noisier your average refrigerator.
