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        WindStudyCommittee@gmail.com

• Talk to any one of us