Field Guide to Wind Farms and their Effect on Property Values
(Updated April 2011)
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 35,000 MW in operation at the end of 2009, U.S. wind turbine capacity generated enough electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 10 million homes. As wind farms spread, local opposition to the massive towers (some over 400 ft tall) is appearing and is beginning to impact state regulation. Residents not only oppose the turbines for aesthetic reasons, they also worry how wind farms will impact property values. This Field Guide explores the current state of the industry, examines real estate-related research and its critics, provides wind maps and regulations to give an indication of where future projects might unfold, and gives resources, both critical and supportive, for further study. (D. Shumaker, Senior Library Information Specialist)
Windfarms and the Power of the Wind
Top Five States by Cumulative Wind Power Capacity (MW) - 2009:
Texas.............9,403 MW
Iowa...............3,604 MW
California......2,798 MW
Washington..1,849 MW
Minnesota.....1,810 MW
Oregon..........1,758 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 
Wind Energy Basics, (U.S. Department of Energy, EERE, Sept. 2010). How wind turbines work, advantages and disadvantages, wind energy through history and current research.
Not on my beach, please; Wind energy and politics, (The Economist, Aug. 2010). Q In squabbles over wind energy, each side claims to be greener than the other.
2009 Wind Technologies Market Report, (U.S. Department of Energy, Aug. 2010). Annual report that provides a comprehensive overview of trends in the U.S. wind power market, with a particular focus on 2009. The full report, a stand-alone executive summary of the report, a presentation, and some of the data underlying the report can be downloaded.
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.
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.
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.
Impact on Real Estate Values
Berkeley Lab Study Finds No Widespread Impact of Wind Power Projects on Surrounding Residential Property Values in the U.S., (U.S. Department of Energy, Dec. 2009). A three years study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concludes “neither the view of wind energy facilities nor the distance of the home to those facilities was found to have any consistent, measurable, and significant effect on the selling prices of nearby homes. No matter how we looked at the data, the same result kept coming back - no evidence of widespread impacts.” The link is to the press release on the study. A PDF version of the study is available at the bottom of the press release along with a PowerPoint of highlights and contact information. Critics of the study appeared almost immediately, including the Acoustic Ecology Institute, appraisers (here and here), as well as from established opposition groups. Study author Ben Hoen presented the following slides at the New England Wind Energy Education Project webinar, 2010. Impacts on residential property values new wind turbines: An overview of research findings and where to go from here [PowerPoint in PDF]. This presentation shows updated research and conclusions from the Berkeley study that suggest that effects on property values can exist and need to be addressed.
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
Energy (Special Report): Upfront -- Catching the Breeze at Your Door: Backyard turbines are becoming more popular; Here's what you need to know if you're considering one, (Wall Street Journal, Sept. 13, 2010). Q
State Wind Resource Maps, (Wind Powering America, July 2010). Links to updated state specific maps detailing wind resources.
State Wind Activities: Links to wind maps, anemometer loan programs, small wind guides, wind working groups, exhibits & workshops, (Wind Powering America, June 2010).
Installed U.S. Wind Capacity, (Wind Powering America, Mar. 2010). An animated map showing how capacity has grown over the last 9 years. Current through year end 2009.
DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewable's and Efficiency, (NC State University, 2010). DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Siting and Permitting Information, (NWCC, 2010).
Legislation would allow communities without zoning to restrict wind energy development, (Quincy Herald-Whig, Mar. 12, 2011). Legislation introduced in the Illinois Senate would likely fix a possible setback for communities looking to restrict wind turbine development within a mile-and-a-half of their borders.
Legislative committee clears way for stricter wind farm regulations, (Wisconsin State Journal, Mar. 2, 2011). A state legislative committee suspended on Tuesday new, tighter standards for wind farms, clearing the way for the state Legislature to repeal them and consider stricter rules proposed by Gov. Scott Walker in January.
Wind proposal gets blowback; Board votes not to accept money, (Worcester (MA) Telegram & Gazette, Sept. 30, 2010).
Wind Turbine Projects Run Into Resistance, (New York Times, Aug. 25, 2010).
Turbines Too Loud? Here, Take $5,000, (New York Times, July 31, 2010). Oregon is one of a growing number of places that have drafted specific regulations restricting noise from wind turbines.
Property values blowing in the wind, (Watertown Daily Times, Apr. 7, 2010). Proposed turbine projects put damper on residential property sales in Cape Vincent.
Critics say wind turbines hurt land values, (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sept. 11, 2009). Land values have fallen on properties near wind turbines built as part of the largest wind power projects in the state, a study funded by wind-power critics say.
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.
Windpowerfacts.info John Droz, Jr. has gathered information on the problems of wind energy on his website . He has a page dedicated to the real estate portion of the issue with links to various studies, blog posts, reports, presentations and articles.
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 The purpose of Stopillwind is to provide evidence exposing the limitations of wind technology, both as a system for producing energy and because its massive scale too often threatens sensitive ecosystems and vulnerable wildlife while producing numerous nuisances that erode quality of life for nearby residences and, in many locations, destroy historically significant natural views.
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.
North American Windpower A magazine serving decision-making professionals involved in the North American wind energy generation and distribution business.
Wind Today An operations-oriented magazine that informs members of the wind industry about advances in processes and equipment as well as policies and strategies impacting wind energy.
Windpower Monthly A news magazine focused on the international wind energy business.
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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