Rensselaerville Wind Study Committee Public Information & Citizen Feedback Session May 5, 2009...
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Transcript of Rensselaerville Wind Study Committee Public Information & Citizen Feedback Session May 5, 2009...
Rensselaerville Wind Study Committee
Public InformationPublic Information
& Citizen Feedback Session& Citizen Feedback Session
May 5, 2009May 5, 2009
Public InformationPublic Information
& Citizen Feedback Session& Citizen Feedback Session
May 5, 2009May 5, 2009
Shooting the Breeze about Wind Power in Rensselaerville
Committee Goals
•Recommend:– Zoning Laws, – Policies– Procedures
•Advisory only
Our committee interacts with:
Town Board Zoning Review Committee Zoning Board of Appeals Planning Board Our Town attorneys Code Enforcement Officer Town Clerkand, of course……
Our Citizens!!
Areas of Focus
• Non-Commercial Wind– Small scale residential, farms, small
businesses.– Energy produced to feed that property or to
offset energy use on that property alone.
• Large-Scale Commercial– Energy produced to be sold into the grid.– Generators usually 1.5 mW or larger
How our work relates to the Comprehensive Plan
• State Law: Town Zoning Laws must align with intent of Comprehensive Plan
• Our Committee’s Resolution
• Examples from Comp Plan
Wind Turbines come in all shapes & sizes
Our Goal For Non-Commercial Wind
• To recommend a simple approach for Town approval of small wind turbines for residential use.
• Our recommendations will balance landowner’s rights with environmental, health and safety concerns.
Non-Commercial Small Scale Wind Power
• Power produced serves that property only.
• Includes: Residential, farms, small business, non-profits, local government, etc.
Non-Commercial Things to Consider
• Tower Height• Property size• Setbacks
from structures, property lines,
roads, rights of way, viewshed, etc.
• Generator size (in kW)• Neighbor Rights
Setback ConsiderationsNon-Commercial
(Residential, Farm, Small Business, etc)
• Visual Impact• Noise
(Varies with wind speed, size & type of turbine, wind direction)
• Light (strobe effect/shadow flicker)
• Fall Zones• Right of Way• Property Size
Residential Wind Power Health & Environmental Considerations
AUDIBLE NOISE LEVELS
WIND TURBINES AND SOUND
• Residential wind turbines create sound in many ways– Generator– Bearings– Blades
• Many of these create audible sound
WIND TURBINES AND SOUND
• For residential turbines most sound would come from the blades
• The noise depends on the design of the blades, wind speed, icing, atmospheric conditions, and whether there is a load or no load on the turbine.
OTHER HEALTH AND WELL-BEING CONSIDERATIONS
• Shadow flicker when sun is behind the turbine
• Reflection of sunlight from blades (strobing)
• Ice throw
Small WindIncentives & Rebates
Small Wind Incentives
• Cash incentives available from NY State through NYSERDA
• From 15 - 70% depending upon:– Size and brand of turbine.– User: Residence, business, commercial farm,
schools, etc.– Tower heightupon installation
To Receive Incentive $$
• Must be grid connected
• Use “eligible” installer
• Obtain all necessary permits
• Undergo SEQRA process
• Meet program siting considerations
• Meet minimum annual wind speed requirement
Other Incentives & Assistance
• NY State Smart Loan Fund
• Federal & State tax incentives may be available
• Net metering agreement
Does on site small wind make sense for you?
• Does your property have a good wind source?
• Current average monthly utility bills?
• How will wind system affect use of your property?
• How will it affect your neighbors?
• Long term investment return?
Wrap Up and InvitationStay involved. It’s a breeze!!
• Come to our Tuesday 7 PM meetings
• Visit our website http://www.rensselaerville.com/windstudy.php
• Join the discussion board (from website)
• Join our mail list for info & special announcements [email protected]
• Talk to any one of us