Wind energy, like all other forms of energy, comes with its own pros and cons associated with both its development and use. While these also carry their own myths as well the facts behind wind energy developments must be carefully considered before heavy investment should be undertaken.

Pros

Minimal Pollution – Once the construct has been made (commonly with readily available materials unlike heavily-processed pure silicon needed for solar cells) the environmental impact of a standing wind turbine is minimal and can maintain steady operations for decades.

Source of Income – Incomes established in areas of relatively regular wind flows can generate energy year round and provide both reduced power consumption locally as well as a potential source of income should power be sold back to into the grid.

Reduced Energy Loss – Local power production reduces the amount of energy lost via transfer through energy lines (up to 50% of all total energy) and improve overall energy efficiency

Cons

Potentially Loud – Large-scale wind turbines can become quite noisy during some periods, generating noise volumes beyond 50 decibels (what can be considered most general conversation)

Variable – Due to the fact that wind currents never maintain 100% steady flows throughout the year the actual power generated from a wind turbine can fluctuate greatly and suffer from sudden changes in air flow (such as if gusts are common during storm seasons)

Potential Safety Hazard – Should an area frequently have aircraft in the vicinity many large turbines could potentially pose risks, particularly in rural areas where small personal aircraft used for farming purposes may be prevalent.

Myths

Wind Turbines Lower Property Value – In all actuality studies have indicated that home proximity to wind farms do not decrease a home’s actual property value, and homes with their own wind turbine for power production have actually been known to increase in value substantially in some areas.

They Pose a Risk to Birds – Studies have shown that a wind turbine, on average, may kill between 1.5 to 2 birds per year in most areas. Cats, on the other hand, are generally responsible for an average of 8-10, making one cat equal to 5-7 wind turbines in terms of danger to the avian population.

They Post a Danger in Stormy Conditions – While it’s true that adverse weather conditions can greatly affect a wind turbine’s functionality the design of modern-day wind turbines prevents them from being active and therefore a threat in severe weather, thus posing little to no risk to surrounding residents at such times.

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