At Blue Pacific Energy we are passionate about the wind. We would love to provide a wind turbine that will power your home or business for years to come. However, sometimes wind energy is not the right renewable solution.
Is wind energy right for me?
These are some of the questions that must be realistically addressed before embarking on a wind energy project.
1. The first step in determining if wind energy is a good decision is to assess how much wind your location experiences. Do you have enough wind? Are surrounding objects causing turbulence in the airflow? Ideal conditions are a clean, strong air stream. If you have that kind of wind resource, then a wind turbine is a powerful way to generate electricity. If you do not have a solid wind resource, then another type of renewable energy will be a better choice.
2. The moving parts of a wind turbine make it more efficient than solar panels. However, because there are moving parts, you can expect a maintenance program. The maintenance routine isn’t onerous and we can help by offering Operation and Maintenance packages.
3. The moving parts of a wind turbine will make some sound. The best turbines are quiet, with the sound levels registering at or just above ambient levels, i.e. wind blowing through the trees. We consider the minimal sound levels when we site a turbine. We suggest clients visit an existing wind turbine to hear the sound levels they would expect.
4. Zoning can also be challenging for some areas. Various counties in the Hawaiian Islands are including wind turbines in their zoning codes. Some counties are further along on that process. The zoning height restrictions are generally the limiting factor. A low tower can limit the amount of wind a turbine can collect. Taller towers allow for better energy production and will make a project more financially viable. Another zoning challenge are the setbacks, or how close a wind turbine can be to the property lines. The setbacks can limit wind turbines to larger lot sizes. Call us for zoning details in your area.
5. Wildlife safety is of concern, especially in the Hawaiian Islands were we have a number of endangered birds and bats. In general, wind turbines have very little impact on birds and bats. There are a few utility sized wind farms on the mainland which have shown negative impacts on birds at certain locations, usually in a migratory pathway. In Hawaii, the small wind turbines have had no reported bird strikes that we are aware of. This is likely due to a much smaller turbine size, careful siting, and modern towers. As the number of small wind turbines increase, it’s important to continue to monitor this issue.
In conclusion: A wind turbine will be a great fit if: You have a good wind resource and can use an appropriately tall tower. You understand that a machine requires maintenance and it will create some sound. Wind is an exciting and powerful way to harness a natural resource and make energy.