Appearance of windmill farm?

Rover · May 06, 2010, 11:39:27 PM

I'm going to look at some land that is for sale dirt cheap in a nice vacation area . Looks like someone had divided up a large parcel into 10 acre lots and would have made excellent money selling it off. BUT a windfarm that has been approved to proceed across the roadway from the lots. So the prices have dropped.
I'm not concerned about ice flying off the blades. I'm not concerned about any health issues. I'm not looking to sell the land soon for an investment. I like the idea of the good chunk of land for good price. I'm only planning to build a weekend get away cabin.
What do others think about the appearance? Some are dotting the country side elsewhere and they don't bother me so much. I heard people complained about ugly telephone poles years ago, but everyone got accustomed to them (ya, I know a windmill is bigger). What about the noise? Is it really noticable? Is the noise just the same as waves crashing on shore?
BTW, the land around there doesn't have high trees otherwise I'd easily build a cabin very far back on the 10 acres. Its fields and some shrubs. I would definitely plant trees.

I've read alot about government assistance, energy savings, environmental issues. Those discussions can go on forever and start arguements. I don't want to start that.

I really just want to know people thoughts about appearance and noise. Thanks.

glenn kangiser · May 06, 2010, 11:47:38 PM

I think they look cool.

In general I think the noise from my wind generator is soothing but you may want to listen to the windfarm when it is running to see if you feel the same.

One hundred windmills do not make much more noticeable noise than a few.

Jeff922 · May 07, 2010, 07:42:21 AM

That's interesting. I visited the 132 megawatt Kibby Mtn. wind project in Maine yesterday. I wanted to see/hear for myself. The turbines were not running yet so I couldn't hear them, but I thought they looked cool. They are white and blend quite nicely with the skyline. I think they are sleek and nice looking unlike a cell tower. It's interesting to me that cell towers popped up on every high piece of land in the last 15 or so years. Ya can't go for a hike in New England without greating a cell tower at the summit. I don't remember too many people complaining about what an eyesore they are. Hummmm...

MountainDon · May 07, 2010, 09:29:49 AM

Quote from: Jeff922 on May 07, 2010, 07:42:21 AM
I don't remember too many people complaining about what an eyesore they are. Hummmm...

There is a cell tower near our home that that is all gussied up to look like a pine tree. The nearby by neighbors of the golf course community must have been feeling a little uppity.

JavaMan · May 07, 2010, 10:30:56 AM

A few years ago I saw one of those cell towers in Southern California made to look like a palm tree.

I second the motion that you should go check out the land sometime when the windmills are running. That will give you first hand knowledge of what they sound like.

May 07, 2010, 12:19:49 PM

Windmills dont make much noise to begin with (have taken numerous tours here in Oregon), and find them quite hypnotizing/soothing. Certainly wouldnt be a deterrent to a purchase.

archimedes · May 07, 2010, 01:34:40 PM

I think they're pretty

umtallguy · May 07, 2010, 08:06:34 PM

if they fail though it tends to be... impressive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3FZtmlHwcA

150 foot or so windmill..

Rover · May 08, 2010, 05:11:29 PM

Thanks everyone.
Before driving there I read up on the zoning and noticed the municipality has stopped any development around the windfarm thru changing the zoning. No sense buying the land if I can't even build a shed. And I won't buy holding my breath waiting for rezoning.
Thanks again for the feedback. I would have likely bought it.

May 08, 2010, 05:54:28 PM

Quote from: Rover on May 08, 2010, 05:11:29 PM

Before driving there I read up on the zoning ...

That was likely the smartest thing you've ever done in your life so far. Maybe the second smartest thing if you are married and truly happy with your choice as much as I am.

I know marrying my wife was one of the smartest things I ever did... 33 years and counting. She also located our cabin property.

I am a lucky dude, all things considered; have to keep that in mind. Sorry for editorializing.

DirtyLittleSecret · May 09, 2010, 07:40:45 AM

I second MountDon. Mrs Dirty and I will be celebrating our 10th in about a month and wouldnt change a thing.
As for the windmills...good catch! Though being zoned into oblivion tends to reduce the number of neighbors.

Rover · May 09, 2010, 09:41:32 AM

Yup, married with kids. Been great 10yrs. That was my best decision.
BTW, I had bought another property 4 years ago and I sited, designed and built a 108sf shed. Although my wife is a designer she left it totally to me. She is really happy with the results although she hates not having a toilet.
I hate those damn zoning restrictions that I'm running into everywhere. I'm ok with the Building Code though.