Windmills

[Bacchus]

Windmills are somewhat controversial. Some seem them as a blight on the landscape, some see them as a good source of natural energy.

However given the good deals there are at the moment I'm seriously looking at putting one up - though there are many hoops to go through first so it's by no means a done deal.

Has anyone heard any good or bad stories about people doing similar?

I already have solar panels up and use biomass as a heat source for the home.

[Nicos]

I think they are rather attractive . What sort are you thinking of..there are lots of variations.

One thing I would be aware of is some of them make a constant noise...would that bother you?...if so you need to it check out more carefully.

[Bacchus]

I'm thinking of one of the very large ones - there are good ROC's payments from the government for that at present. (basically that's all you good tax paying folks subsidizing putting them up ) New applicants for this payment will cease soon though so I need to get my scates on.

It would be sited about a quarter of a mile away from my house and from any other houses so noise shouldn't be a problem.

[Jay22]

Yuk! Hate the things! Everywhere you go up here they blight the most beautiful scenery. (Just my opinion)

[Bigmallly]

Yuk! Hate the things! Everywhere you go up here they blight the most beautiful scenery. (Just my opinion)

As do Pylons Jay......................just saying.

[PyreneesPlot]

I like them, and much as I miss the cooling towers at Didcot, I'd rather look at a windfarm than a nuclear power plant or even a field of solar panels. Again, just a matter of opinion.
We planned on putting up a windmill here until we discovered we actually don't have enough wind. Indeed, it is usually very calm down here.
Noise can be an issue, as Nicos said and bird impacts, too.

[Nicos]

Sounds like an exciting project Bacchus!

[weed]

I like them, and much as I miss the cooling towers at Didcot, I'd rather look at a windfarm than a nuclear power plant or even a field of solar panels. Again, just a matter of opinion.
We planned on putting up a windmill here until we discovered we actually don't have enough wind. Indeed, it is usually very calm down here.
Noise can be an issue, as Nicos said and bird impacts, too.

there is only half the towers now the other half got blown up last year felt strangely sad watching them crash to the floor or it could have been being overtired as they did it at silly o'clock in the morning anyway you need to pop back we have solar farms popping up all over oxfordshire now they might change the name to ecoshire soon

but back to the wind mills local councils will dictate if you can have one so check with them first if planning is needed sadly normally it is but i expect it will depend on what size you want

[alldigging]

I prefer them to nuclear power stations.

[noviceveggrower]

Hmm tough and touchy subject this. I can see peoples opinion about them being an eye sore and the noise level. Thing is fossil fuels aren't going to last forever and with environmental issues greenhouse gases and global warming what are the alternatives?
I knew a company/family that had a massive one at their place of work. It was massive, very impressive when you were stood under it. I don't know how windy it gets round your area but when the wind hits a certain speed they had to switch it off as the blades would bend and twist. Very scary when you see it doing that.
What do your local residents think of you putting one up? Do they realise how big your wind turbine will be and will it affect their view out of their windows?

[muddled]

I absolutely love them,
I find them to be full of grace and hope...

To be honest, I don't know the rights of all the scientific arguments for and against. My opinion is based solely on my rose tinted vision....

[Jay22]

As do Pylons Jay......................just saying.

Been said to me before but in my opinion pylons blend into the landscape but these things stick out like a sore thumb, they make a tremendous noise too when in full swing...just saying BM! They also cost more to build and erect compared to the power they produce.

[Bacchus]

I live among the drumlins of county down far from any settlement - Newry is probably the closest at around 6 miles away. This is both a good and bad thing - wind wise. It means that unless it's sited on top of a hill you won't actually see it from very far away, good from a scenic point of view. I can think of one spot where it would be seen by about 5 houses and that's it so not a huge blot on the landscape I think.

My main concern is noise. I've been assured that noise is minimal - but salesmen would say that anyway.

[Nicos]

Might be worth asking who else has the same one and go and see/listen to it in person????
Maybe speak with the owners as to the pros and cons.

It wouldn't take very long for a decent/ keen/genuine salesperson to arrange a meeting for you

Just a thought ( you'd not buy a car without looking/trying/checking it out would you???)

[skeggijon]

I'm surrounded by them - both on land and sea. The Wash is absolutely full of wind turbines and I have to say I love them. Lincolnshire is traditionally a windmill country, so it seems reasonable, in fact sensible that the tradition has been ressurected and improved upon. I don't find them an eyesore in the least - far better than a power station, plus I actually like the sound of them