Reader comments
Backyard wind turbines face resistance
31 comments | Read story
John | 12:20 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
My question is if there is no ordinance regarding windmills, why it would be
illegal to put one up in the first place. Laws don't give us permission to
do something; according to Utah State Code, if it's not on the books as
something that's illegal, then it's not illegal.
So even if there is no ordinance | 1:30 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
We have to wait for local cities to create one so we can build a wind turbine?
Great idea! | 2:06 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
This is a great idea. I was wondering when this would happen. It just makes
sense to become as efficient as possible. I'm no tree hugger, but this is
very interesting. How long would it take to make back $13,000 on power bills?
Also, when the power goes out and the generator still powers the house, that
could be life-saving. I'd like to see how this compares to solar power.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 2:27 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
As long as it isn't a skate park, it is fine!
iamsure | 3:51 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Where can I buy one. ernie@hotpropertyauction.com
I want one. | 4:39 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Why this has not been widely publicized has me a bit confused. They are an asset
and they can save billions is oil and coal dependence for power companies. Many
rural area farms have converted to these wind generators and I think it's a
good idea in residential housing. As for property value, it would be a plus for
me.
My biggest concern in researching these is the longevity of the turbines and maintaining and repairing them. The one improvement I have been waiting for is the incorporation of pitch changeable props to neutralize them in higher than design winds. They have built in clutches to maintain speed but they can wear and overheat. Although less than 50 feet high, they should still have aircraft warning lights on top if near any airports or in flight patterns.
I wouldn't be surprised if the power companies come out with some major campaigning for a state law to ban these power saving wind turbines for residential use, with all kinds perceived safety reasons plus loss of revenues issues for them.
My biggest concern in researching these is the longevity of the turbines and maintaining and repairing them. The one improvement I have been waiting for is the incorporation of pitch changeable props to neutralize them in higher than design winds. They have built in clutches to maintain speed but they can wear and overheat. Although less than 50 feet high, they should still have aircraft warning lights on top if near any airports or in flight patterns.
I wouldn't be surprised if the power companies come out with some major campaigning for a state law to ban these power saving wind turbines for residential use, with all kinds perceived safety reasons plus loss of revenues issues for them.
T. | 6:21 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
The article helpfully explains that a wind turbine is a "mechanical
windmill." As opposed to what? What kind of windmill isn't mechanical?
Solar guy | 6:49 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I'm not sure who researched this article but the current incentives do not
cover 50%. The fed covers 30% and the state caps the incentive. No engineering
costs or permit fees are included. Don't be misled but by all means
consider clean energy.
Lindy | 7:01 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I love the idea of installing a device like this that will ultimately offer free
non-polluting electricity, these small backyard turbines are expensive at the
onset though, maybe as time goes by the cost can decrease.
Driving through a windfarm in Minnesota last summer gave me the heeby-jeebies, there was something about those huge, slow moving turbine arms that just creeped me out, don't know why, I'm probably the only person who ever had that reaction to a wind farm!
Driving through a windfarm in Minnesota last summer gave me the heeby-jeebies, there was something about those huge, slow moving turbine arms that just creeped me out, don't know why, I'm probably the only person who ever had that reaction to a wind farm!
windy | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Go people go. These should and must be about everywhere there is enough wind. It
is only smart and it makes common sense. Of course the placement must be safe
and sound and the local laws should allow these with temperance. Hopefully in
more congested areas these can be allowed with smart laws.
Sierra Clubber | 8:22 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
We will never win the war against climate change as long as planning and zoning
commissions exist. Their sole purpose is to impede environmental progress by
slowing down the installation of dispersed power sources.
Great idea, but... | 8:48 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
The turbine shown in the photo is next to a horse farm. It is on a large lot and
away from the house. Putting them on smaller lots next to houses is a different
matter. I can understand why people would object. I've seen photos of wind
turbines that are cylindrical in shape, about two feet in diameter, and not much
higher than the roof of the house. These look a lot more feasible than the ones
shown in the photo.
Janetta | 8:52 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I think this is a great idea. Take advantage of the power mother nature has
given us! The turbines in the picture are attractive and don't seem to be
an eyesore at all. Maybe the idea will catch on and we can reduce our
dependance on man made power. Good for you, Mr. Brooks.
Rick | 9:31 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
It's very appealing to be able to generate your own electricity. However, a
lot of wind turbines in my sub division would really stand out because our power
lines are buried. I can see why people wouldn't want 45 feet structures in
their face. Hence cities need to have an ordinance in place.
Andrew | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I had one of these in Wyoming and I can vouch for the cost savings over the long
run. Yes there are maintenance costs but they are minimal. Yes the utility
companies are wary but as yet there are no "punishment" type tactics
being anticipated. When I installed mine in Wyoming the power company was
oblivious and the tech even laughed. Then 2 years later I had regular power
bills that were virtually non-existent. However if these home windmills catch on
(aka lower costs) you can bet there will be repercussions. The big utility
companies will demand monetary reparations because companies like PG&E and
Pacific Power like being the big boys on the block and they like exclusive. My
advice is to get them in while you can because soon that may change. States in
fiscal trouble like Utah may decide to treat these things as potential tax
revenue streams and that will kill the incentive. Government simply can not
stand up to their cash cows (political donations) on these issues and the
average citizen will get rolled.
Count on it.
Count on it.
I wonder | 10:19 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
how thrilled the power companies will be to think that we can create our own
power and thereby reduce our dependency on them? Yeah, this is going to happen.
Scotty | 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Michael Brooks is not an unbiased, neutral observer on this subject. Selling
wind turbines is his business. Naturally he is going to say how wonderful they
are. This is all great publicity for his business, and puts money in his
pocket.
The truth is that wind turbines are of marginal value at the most. The initial costs are very high, and it takes years just to break even. After a few years, the maintenance costs become so high, that it greatly reduces the net return. Yes, they are eyesores, and noisey, but the biggest downfall of wind turbines is the fact that for many days out of the year, the wind doesn't blow strong enough to make the turbines productive.
The truth is that wind turbines are of marginal value at the most. The initial costs are very high, and it takes years just to break even. After a few years, the maintenance costs become so high, that it greatly reduces the net return. Yes, they are eyesores, and noisey, but the biggest downfall of wind turbines is the fact that for many days out of the year, the wind doesn't blow strong enough to make the turbines productive.
Scotty - as in "Scottish Power"? | 12:38 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Wind power is highly efficient - even more so than solar. That's a fact.
Wind turbines are nearly silent - especially the smaller ones intended for single residences. That's another fact. Maintenance on them is minimal.
Let's say that after tax credits and other incentives you're still looking at amortizing $8k. If your current (no pun intended) electricity bill is $150/month and you cut that by 40% with your wind turbine, then you've recouped your investment in ten years - all the while reducing your demand for coal-fed power and the need for more coal-fired power plants. And if you use your wind power to generate electricity that charges your electric car overnight (ala the new plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt), then you're also reducing our dependency on foreign oil.
I think the wind turbines are beautiful - both in operation, and in terms of what they do for both our economy and the livability of our communities.
Clear the air, folks. Wind & solar are the future.
I just wish I lived in a part of the world where it was windy.
Wind turbines are nearly silent - especially the smaller ones intended for single residences. That's another fact. Maintenance on them is minimal.
Let's say that after tax credits and other incentives you're still looking at amortizing $8k. If your current (no pun intended) electricity bill is $150/month and you cut that by 40% with your wind turbine, then you've recouped your investment in ten years - all the while reducing your demand for coal-fed power and the need for more coal-fired power plants. And if you use your wind power to generate electricity that charges your electric car overnight (ala the new plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt), then you're also reducing our dependency on foreign oil.
I think the wind turbines are beautiful - both in operation, and in terms of what they do for both our economy and the livability of our communities.
Clear the air, folks. Wind & solar are the future.
I just wish I lived in a part of the world where it was windy.
M Brooks | 2:51 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Scotty, I am not in the wind turbine business and am not making any money off
of this or benifiting from the publicity. You seem to be a little confused on
all of your facts.
Scotty WHO??? | 3:00 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I happen to know Michael Brooks and he is not in the Wind Turbine business. I
also am aware of the company that sold it to him so get your facts right. I tend
to believe you know as much about wind power as you do Michael Brooks!
Scotty | 3:52 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
I was mistaken about your business. My apologies to you Michael Brooks.
reality | 5:28 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Windmills are LOUD
Quiet wind generators | 5:41 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
"Windmills are LOUD"
Ummm... no. They only make appreciable noise when they're spinning in a stiff wind - which means it's already loud outside.
Ummm... no. They only make appreciable noise when they're spinning in a stiff wind - which means it's already loud outside.
Sensible Scientist | 6:10 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Just because something is politically popular does not mean zoning and other
local decisions should treat it any differently than any other structure. The
big moving parts give it an especially high visual impact.
I would oppose one in my neighborhood just as I would oppose a billboard or other high visual impact structure.
I would oppose one in my neighborhood just as I would oppose a billboard or other high visual impact structure.
Lindy | 9:52 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
After reading this article, I went on the internet and looked at home wind
power, and didn't find as much comprehensive information as expected. What
company did Mr. Brooks use to buy these windmills and does the company install
them?
M Brooks | 10:22 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
My wind turbine is a Skystream 3.7 Another product is made by a company called
Helix wind out of San Diego. They manufacture a vertical axis wind turbine. It
is very attractive and will catch the wind from all directions as it spins on a
vertical axis. They are a little more expensive however.
Flag Poles | 11:05 p.m. Oct. 24, 2009
Just wondering if the sensible scientist would oppose large flag poles that we
often see in yards all over town? No one seems to have a problem with them,
myself included, but because a wind tower has three spinning arms, they seem to
be considered an eyesore by some. Not sure why!
To "Great Idea"... | 12:08 a.m. Oct. 25, 2009
An average electric bill is on the order of $150 per month, or $1,800 per year.
If your generator is able to eliminate that bill (not likely - it will more
likely just reduce it) - then at that rate ($1,800 per year), and neglecting
inflation, payback is 7.2 years. The effective interest rate on your $13,000
investment is a whole whopping 1/2 percent (actually, 0.45%), so not even 1%.
In financial terms, the current "today" value of the project to you is -$5,800; in other words, you are LOSING $5,800 on the deal. And that is not including inflation, which makes the loss even greater. And if you take out a $13,000 LOAN with interest - oh my, the pain just gets really bad!
Then again, you could put your $13,000 into some other investment at a decent interest rate; at 8% it will be worth a little over $22,000 in 7 years.
In financial terms, the current "today" value of the project to you is -$5,800; in other words, you are LOSING $5,800 on the deal. And that is not including inflation, which makes the loss even greater. And if you take out a $13,000 LOAN with interest - oh my, the pain just gets really bad!
Then again, you could put your $13,000 into some other investment at a decent interest rate; at 8% it will be worth a little over $22,000 in 7 years.
It's not always about money | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
We have a Whisper 500 wind turbine and a solar array. It's wonderful to be
completely off the grid. At night when the solar array is not charging the
batteries, many times the wind will keep them powered up. When Rocky Mountain
Power has outages, our lights are still on. Let's all go green! It's
not always about the money!
Summer Brooks | 12:21 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009
Way to go, dad! I'm proud of you for going green!!
Bill | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 26, 2009
Hi Mike, glad to see you are trying to make a little impact and easing the
pressure a little on the environment. This is an old friend from Colorado and
the last time I saw you was in Realto. I have been thinking some about a wind
turbine lately too but where I live I don't get much wind except when we
get the high canyon winds that would blow them away. Keep up the good work!!
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Michael Brooks of Highland plans to put up a 45-foot wind turbine in his backyard like the one seen here in an Alpine backyard.
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