Physics of the Future

Cons of Wind Energy Wind is highly variable. Wind speed varies by numerous factors, including weather, location and season, so not all places are appropriate for wind energy. At Inn Serendipity, we rarely overproduce electricity during the summer months. Equipment requires a sizeable upfront investment, depending on the size of system selected. To meet the needs of a modest hobby farm, like ours (after energy conservation and efficiency efforts have been exhausted), a 10 kW system that costs $40,000 to $70,000 would be needed to become a net producer of electricity on an annual basis. Evaluating projected wind-system output is difficult due to variability of turbine design and production conditions. “Wind turbines are not created equally,” Hippensteel says. “Some require considerably more maintenance and service than others.” Living with a renewable energy system demands a more energy-mindful way of living. After any big storm, we check our inverters in much the same way that our farmer neighbors check on their animals. State or municipal zoning laws may result in expensive hearings or possibly prevent you from erecting a tower of sufficient height. NIMBYism: Some neighbors may voice objections to the sight or sound of a swishing turbine. While possible harm may be done to birds, research studies, such as one by the National Wind Coordinating Committee, have found that collisions with windows in buildings and vehicles, capture by outdoor cats, as well as poisoning due to chemicals cause far more avian fatalities than encounters with residential wind systems. Depending on location, securing capable technicians or service workers for possible repair or maintenance can add significant costs to owning a system.