Basic Siting Issues

Siting issues depend on the scale of the proposed wind project, but here are some basics:

Wind Speed. It is critical to assess any site for the amount of wind. Many sites are not viable because there simply is not enough wind to make a tower worthwhile. Michigan wind potential varies substantially between regions. Click on the "MI Wind Maps" button above to access recent state estimates of wind speed in your part of Michigan.
Distance to Transmission Line. For utility scale power, the distance to connect to high tension lines is a major determinant of feasibility. For small wind systems where the power will be used on site, this is not important.
Access: Wind towers require periodic maintenance and repair. If a long access road must be constructed and maintained, the site may not economically viable.
Zoning: Many jurisdictions place restrictions on what can be built where. A common regulation is setback requirements that may restrict where on a particular piece of property a tower may be buit. Click here for more.
Noise: Wind generators produce low level noise that may annoy people living nearby. Click here for more.
Wildlife: Larger towers placed in the path of migratory birds or bats may create a hazard for them. Click here for more.
Shadow Flicker: If the tower's shadow falls across a home's windows at any time of the year, residents may be annoyed by the shadow of the tower or the shadow of the blades crossing the house. Again, this issue is probably less important if the tower is small.
Ice Shedding: Blades may ice up; as the ice thaws and falls off it could harm whatever is below. Click here for more.
Aesthetics: Some people find the towers attractive; others do not. It is especially important to tread carefully in places with high historic or cultural significance.

A good common sense rule of thumb is to speak with owners of nearby property as part of your siting decision.