As both businesses and private citizens continue to look for alternative sources of energy to help the environment, wind continues to generate a back and forth discussion as to its efficacy as an energy solution. 

 

While there are pros and cons to wind, it's also important to note there are certain myths and misconceptions about wind that can cloud the discussion. 

Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of wind, it's helpful to examine certain elements of the argument that might be more rooted in myth than fact.

 

Myths About Wind

One of the more commonly cited issues surrounding the use of wind turbines to generate energy is their potentially harmful effects on avian life. In reality, wind turbines are much less harmful to birds than felines. According to HealthLink, a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing individuals about environmental risks to human health, studies have shown that wind turbines may be responsible for 1.5 to 2 deaths per year in most areas. Cats, on the other hand, are responsible for 8 to 10 bird deaths a year in most areas. 

Another myth with regard to wind power is the safety risk of wind turbines should weather turn severe. While this was once a genuine concern, as wind turbine technology has evolved, the safety risk has decreased significantly. Today's wind turbines are designed to prevent them from being active in severe weather, meaning there is essentially no turbined-related risk to surrounding residents should a storm occur.

In addition to safety concerns, some homeowners are worried that wind turbines will increase their property taxes. This concern is rooted in fact, but not necessarily costly to homeowners. Wind turbines often do increase property value because they represent a means for homeowners to produce long-term income. However, the majority of land-lease agreements include provisions stating that the wind developer will cover any additional property taxes that result from the installation of a wind turbine.

 

Benefits of Wind Turbines

Arguably the greatest benefit of wind turbines is their environmental impact. Once the turbine has been constructed, its environmental impact is minimal. Wind turbines produce zero emissions, meaning there will be no CO2, sulfur, particulates, or nitrogen oxide entering the atmosphere from wind turbines. And because environmental conditions have been linked to a host of medical maladies, it's safe to say wind turbines could help improve human health.

Another benefit of wind turbines is the potential financial benefits to homeowners who agree to lease their land to wind developers. While the amount a homeowner can earn depends on the size of the wind turbine and how productive it is, projects in Minnesota and Iowa saw landowners earn between 2 and 4 percent of the turbine's annual gross revenue. For a turbine that earns $200,000 per year in gross revenue, that's an annual payment of $2,000 to landowners, a hefty windfall for homeowners, particularly in today's economy.

Reduced energy loss is another potential benefit of wind turbines. Energy is often lost via transfer through energy lines, with some estimates suggesting as much as 50 percent of all total energy is being lost to energy line transfers. Locally produced power, however, is much more efficient.

 

Disadvantages Of Wind Turbines

One of the more widely cited disadvantages to wind turbines is the noise they create. Large-scale wind turbines, at the peak of their production, can be very noisy. However, today's turbines are much less noisy than those of yesteryear, often being compared to the noise generated from a modern refrigerator. In fact, the wind generated from today's turbines often drowns out the  noise generated from the turbine itself.

The cost of wind turbines is commonly considered the greatest disadvantage. This isn't a great concern for homeowners, as most wind turbines are owned by investors who then lease lands once the turbine has been built. However, the tenuous nature of the economy has led many investors to more closely examine where their money is going, and some investors might question if wind turbines are the best way to invest their money.

Safety also must be considered when considering the installation of a wind turbine. Large turbines could pose risks in areas with frequent air traffic. That's a genuine concern in rural areas, where small personal aircrafts are often employed for farming purposes.

To learn more about wind power, visit the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov.  

 

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