Insights

The turbine may be at rest while the wind is calm. Utility-scale wind turbines, on the other hand, are rarely completely motionless at their heights – normally more than 200 feet above ground – on a site chosen expressly for its strong wind resources.

Yes, but it varies by area. Summer is the most windy season in California; fall and winter are the most windy seasons in the Midwest; and spring is the most windy season in Texas. Daily and seasonal fluctuations are unique to each wind farm. Each wind location has its own unique wind patterns, which are identified during the project’s early stages through wind studies.

Turbines located in places subject to extreme cold or heat are outfitted with arctic or tropical equipment. Nonetheless, for safety, turbines shut down automatically under persistent winds of 56 mph or gusts of around 100 mph.

Wind turbines typically require one to two preventative maintenance inspections each year, depending on a variety of circumstances. When a problem arises, we work with the manufacturer to determine the root cause of the problem and then, if needed, replace any faulty equipment.

Before the startup instruction is delivered, the sophisticated computer system within a turbine runs extensive self-diagnostic checks and troubleshoots issues. The turbine shuts down immediately if the computer identifies any faults it can’t fix.

The wind industry has grown rapidly and is now the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Today, technology allows wind projects to expand to new regions with lower wind speeds. Wind projects create new opportunities for local communities and will provide a new, clean, and reliable energy source for local businesses and residents alike, serving as the affordable utility for everyone’s growing power needs. A wind farm is designed to integrate with the existing environment and is connected to the power grid, adding resiliency to the energy system.

Prior to construction, we usually negotiate long-term contracts from one or more buyers for the output of a wind farm.

Wind turbine energy can be reliably integrated into the transmission system, causing no disruption to the grid and providing customers with clean, renewable energy as a source of power.

Wind energy is one of the safest forms of electricity, with various built-in safety precautions to protect not just the turbines, but also the landowners and communities around them. Setbacks are also put in place from roads, residences, and other structures.

Most lightning strikes do not affect the operations of a wind turbine due to the protection provided by a lightning protection system. The lightning protection system is designed to reduce the risk of lightning damage, however, if damage occurs from lightning, Vestas will work with the project operator to access any damage and make repairs as soon as possible.

It’s important to remember turbines only run when the wind is blowing, meaning as ground level winds increase in speed, the sound of the wind masks most of the turbine sound. Typically, while standing directly below a running wind turbine, two people are able to have a conversation at normal voice levels.

Yes, all energy producers in the United States – whether fossil fuel or renewable – receive some level of support from both federal and state governments to stimulate investment and keep up with America’s fast-growing power needs.

Dozens of peer-reviewed academic studies have found wind farms have no significant long-term impacts on property values. View our property values information to learn more.

No. Wind farms are a safe and effective way of generating renewable energy. Visit our health information to learn more.

Very! For any project to be successful, we know the needs of the community must come first. We’re determined to listen to all perspectives, and we believe strongly in fostering long-term relationships with the people we serve, including but not limited to hosting community events, meeting with government officials and hearing from local economic development and environmental groups.

Wind farm locations are determined by a variety of factors, including the abundance of wind resources, the ability to transfer wind energy, market demand and land use compatibility with wind farms. We generally look for locations with interested landowner partners as well.

Reach out to the Steelhead Americas team. While we cannot promise to lease all land presented to us, it is always worth having a conversation.

A wind turbine and the associated access road take up around 1.5 acres of land.

Yes, but only temporarily. There will be more traffic in the area during construction, however, the use of heavy equipment is limited to that time period. There will be no need for additional construction traffic once the wind farm is operational.

The construction timeline of any wind farm is dependent on its size, location and a variety of external factors. With that being said, six to nine months is a standard timeframe for constructing most wind energy projects.

Wind energy allows landowners to secure additional, yearly income. A landowner can make more money per acre by hosting a wind turbine than by growing crops or raising livestock. A wind farm’s revenue can assist a landowner in diversifying their business. Landowners receive predictable, long-term incomes unaffected by commodity prices or weather. The conditions of a land agreement vary depending on a number of factors. Individual landowner income thus varies case-by-case, but as a matter of preserving landowner privacy and confidentiality, we do not provide public examples of landowner revenues. All agreements are directly negotiated between the wind project developer and the landowner.

Payment terms, diligence activities, and construction, operational and decommissioning practices will all be included in the land agreement.

As long as other agreements do not interfere with the wind turbine equipment or operation, landowners are free to use their property as they best see fit. Our wind turbines are all that is covered by our option and easement.

Hunting leases are still available to landowners who host wind turbines.

Wind energy can supplement agricultural activities, providing farmers and entire communities with a new source of stable income.

During development, environmental studies are conducted to understand the impact on local wildlife. Overall, wind is far less dangerous to wildlife and natural resources than are traditional energy sources it replaces.

Yes. Every project undergoes a thorough and careful environmental assessment. The goal is to always protect valuable natural resources and to minimize the environmental impact of wind turbines as much as possible.

Wind turbines have no greenhouse gas emissions, water emissions, or solid waste byproducts. We are dedicated to ensuring that our wind projects are installed, operated, and decommissioned sustainably. Currently, a wind turbine is 85% recyclable, however, blades are especially difficult to recycle because they are designed to be both light and extremely durable. Vestas is spearheading blade recycling here in the US and currently recycles up to 100,000 pounds of blade material each day.