Field Guide to Wind Farms and their Effect on Property Values
(Updated September 2009)
Wind power is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity generation. While much past growth has taken place in Europe (Denmark derives up to 20% of its electricity from wind), wind power has recently made inroads domestically. With a total of 25,369 MW in operation at the end of 2008, this year the U.S. pulled ahead of long-time leader Germany (23,902 MW) both in wind energy production and in cumulative wind power generating capacity. The U.S. is also the world’s largest market in terms of new installations (8,545 MW) added in 2008, ahead of China (6,300 MW). As wind farms spread, local opposition to the massive towers (some over 400 ft tall) is appearing. Residents not only oppose the turbines for aesthetic reasons, they also worry how wind farms will impact property values. Although research remains scant, wind farms appear to have a minimal or at most transitory impact on real estate. This field guide explores the current state of the industry, examines real estate-related research, provides wind maps and regulations to give an indication of where future projects might unfold, and gives resources for further study. (D. Shumaker, Senior Information Specialist)
Windfarms and the Power of the Wind
Top Five States by Cumulative Wind Power Capacity (MW) - 2009:
Texas...........8,361 MW
Iowa..............3,043 MW
California......2,787 MW
Minnesota.....1,805 MW
Washington...1,575 MW
Oregon........1,408 MW
Source: U. S. Dept. of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Top Five States by Potential Wind Energy, Billions of kWh per year:
North Dakota........1,210
Texas..................1,190
Kansas................1,070
South Dakota.......1,030
Montana..............1,020
Source: American Wind Energy Association
Background 
Business: Becalmed; Wind power in America, (The Economist, Aug. 1, 2009). Q The credit crunch, low natural gas prices, and the massive infrastructure investment necessary for growth have slowed the industry.
Success Means New Issues for Wind Power, (Power Engineering, Jul. 2009).
Texas Wind Energy: Past, Present & Future, (Texas Public Policy Foundation, Oct. 2008). [links to PDF] A report from the conservative think tank provides a good background on wind energy while calling for a market-driven solution.
The war over offshore wind is almost over, (Business Week, July 7, 2008). Q
20% Windpower by 2030, (U.S. Department of Energy, May 2008). This report looks closely at one scenario for reaching 20% wind energy by 2030 and contrasts it to a scenario of no new U.S. wind power capacity.
Wind Energy Basics, (U.S. Dept. of Energy, EERE , Sept. 2005). How wind turbines work, advantages and disadvantages, wind energy through history and current research.
Impact on Real Estate Values
Green vs. Green: Measuring the Compensation Required to Site Electrical Generation Windmills in a Viewshed, (Appalachian State University, June 2007) A study find that “individuals who perceive wind energy as a clean source of power require less compensation. Those who retire to the mountains or individuals who have ancestors from Watauga County require more compensation to accept windmills in their view-shed. The annual compensation necessary is estimated to be about $23 per household. In the aggregate, citizens need to be compensated by about $500,000 a year to allow wind electrical generation turbines in Watauga County." A version of this paper appeared in the journal Energy Policy in 2008.
Impact of windmill visibility on property values in Madison County, New York, (Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Bard College, Apr. 2006). Master's thesis. The paper finds no measurable affect on property values on 280 arms-length single family home transactions around an upstate New York windfarm. Also provides a good review of previous studies.
An economic analysis of a wind farm in Nantucket Sound, (Beacon Hill Institute, May 2004). The authors use a survey methodology to poll tourists, residents and real estate agents as to the effect of a proposed windfarm in Massachusetts. Homeowners expect the project to decrease their home values by an average of 4.0%. A minority of real estate agents concurred.
The effect of wind development on local property values, (Renewable Energy Policy Project, May 2003). One of the main sources in support of wind farming, this study was one of the first detailed looks at the relationship between wind farming and property values. The study finds that wind farms have no impact on property values. However, opponents discount the report due to some statistical issues (problems with the study are outlined on pgs. 16-17 of the Bard College paper above). Still widely cited.
Final Report of the Wind Turbine Moratorium Study Committee, (Lincoln Township, WI, Feb. 2000). Lincoln Township in western Wisconsin undertook a study of local windfarms to gage their impact on the community. Excerpts of this report are often cited by wind farm opponents to bolster their case. However, the actual report states "the siting of the windmills has not had any significant negative impact on property values near them." (pg. 161 of pdf)
Wind Maps, Regulations, Getting Started
State Wind Resource Maps, (Wind Powering America, July 2009). Links to updated state specific maps detailing wind resources.
Installed U.S. Wind Capacity, (Wind Powering America, May 2009). An animated map showing how capacity has grown over the last 9 years. Current through April 2009.
State Wind Activities: Links to wind maps, anemometer loan programs, small wind guides, wind working groups, exhibits & workshops, (Wind Powering America, Aug. 2009).
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewable's and Efficiency, (NC State University, 2009). DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Power play: With demand for green energy surging, there's money to be made in locking up rights to wind and solar sites, (Business 2.0, Mar. 2007).
Siting and Permitting Information, (NWCC, 2006).
Windustry. Information on how to get started with small scale wind farming.
Wyoming wind farm debate tests Western private property values, (Los Angeles Times, Aug. 2009). The Northern Laramie Range Alliance fights industrial scale wind development in their namesake Wyoming mountains as well as a segment of a proposed transmission line that would cut across the range.
Horizon, opponents debate effects on property, (Lincoln (IL) Courier, June 12, 2008). Both sides offer expert testimony on the effects of wind farms in regard to the Rail Splitter project in Illinois.
Wind Turbine Syndrome. Nina Pierpont’s research on the physical impact of wind turbines on nearby residents. While some dispute her claims and small sample size, further study is warranted.
Industrial Wind Action Group, Industrial Wind Action is "dedicated to providing information on industrial wind energy to enable communities and government officials to make informed decisions."
National Wind Watch. National Wind Watch™ is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of the negative impacts of industrial wind energy development on our environment, economy, and quality of life.
StopillWind, John Boone's website.
Reframing the windfarm, (Power Engineering, Oct. 2005). Q Offers suggestion on how the windfarm industry can mitigate opposition to new developments
American Wind Energy Association AWEA is a national trade association representing companies and individuals involved in the wind power industry. It promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world. The organization website does a good job addressing opposition to wind farms.
National Wind Coordinating Collaborative, (RESOLV). The NWCC brings together government, industry and environmental organizations to try to reach consensus on sustainability developing wind power in the U.S. Subcommittees address environmental, economic, and technical concerns.
Wind Powering America Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Wind Powering America seeks to increase America's use of wind power. The site hosts wind maps, links to state programs, regulations and more
Windustry Non-profit organization dedicated to increase wind energy opportunities for rural landowners and communities. Rich collection of resources including industry links, news, state regulations, lease guidelines, and more.
Yes2Wind, (Greenpeace / World Wildlife Fund / Friends of the Earth). UK site sponsored by major environmental organizations to promote wind power in Britain. Includes a wind power FAQ, a Myth-buster section and a wind farm locator (UK only).
Books & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at (800)874-6500 for assistance.
Wind Power, Revised Edition: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business, (Chicago: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2004).
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Effects of Power Lines on Property Values
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