Wind power is becoming increasingly affordable and has the potential to greatly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and create less pollution in the air. However, there are several misconceptions about this new type of technology, so let’s set the record straight by busting some of the most common myths about wind turbines!
Myth One: The Sound and Shadow Flicker will Damage Your Health
According to an article by the Union of Concerned Scientists on the Environmental Impacts of Wind Power, there is no evidence that the sound from turbines or the shadow flicker is in any way detrimental to a person’s health. With proper siting of the turbine, there should be hardly any noise and no negative health impact.
Myth Two: Wind Power Isn’t That Effective
Wind turbines generate different outputs depending on wind speed, but the largest wind turbines can power 600 American homes! These are usually set up in wind farms that can provide an enormous amount of energy with minimal operational cost.
Myth Three: Turbines Negatively Affect Livestock
Land used for wind turbines can still be used for farming or cattle grazing! Livestock are typically not affected by wind turbines and will even graze along the base of the turbine.
Myth Four: Wind Turbines Kill Birds
No matter how extensively wind energy is developed, it is highly unlikely that turbine-related deaths will exceed those from buildings or house cats. Wind turbines cause only a minute fraction of bird deaths in comparison to other human activities. In fact, having more clean renewable energy, like wind turbines, is actually saving the lives of many birds! This is why the Audobon Society strongly supports properly sited wind turbines and has helped to create guidelines to help limit the danger to wildlife.
Myth Five: Wind Turbines Are Very Noisy
Don’t worry, there are strict guidelines in place to ensure noise control and residential amenity! The main sound coming from a wind turbine is a soft aerodynamic swish as the blades pass the tower. However, a properly sited turbine is no louder than a refrigerator, which, according to the chart of common sounds by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, is in the quietest noise level.
Sign Up Now to Support Wind Energy!
Are you interested in supporting the use of wind turbines but live far away from one? We have the perfect solution for you! New England Wind is a program available through Mass Energy, which allows you to ‘green’ your energy by making an easy change right on your electric bill!
New England Wind uses 100% Massachusetts wind power, which you can support by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS). These RECS tag and track one megawatt hour of renewable electricity and can be sold separately from the actual electrons generated by renewable sources. Although the energy used in your home will not be directly from these sources, by choosing to make the switch to New England Wind, you are voting with your dollar in support of local renewable energy sources. By doing this, your investment will help bring more community-scale wind projects onto the electric grid. For more information check out our recent blog post or click here to sign up today!
