It’s no surprise that Wisconsin farmers are interested in harvesting wind energy. Wind turbines are well suited for agricultural settings because they operate most efficiently in open areas like cropland or pastures, yet take up very little land. Most of Wisconsin’s wind generators are located in rural areas, where they are recognized as the latest cash crop. Wind industry professionals are frequently asked, “How do I get a wind farm developer to put a turbine on my land?” or “How can I make money from all that wind on my farm?” This fact sheet addresses these questions and offers some alternatives that may appeal to individual farmers and landowners, depending on their situation.
IS WIND POWER RIGHT FOR YOUR FARM?
Considerations
- While wind energy is clean, renewable and readily available, it must also be noted that modern commercial wind turbines are complex devices requiring specialized expertise to install and maintain. Commercial wind turbines require professional operational experience.
- A wind turbine is an electrical generating plant that demands a certain level of commitment to maintenance, and since it is interconnected to the utility electrical distribution system, there will be contractual obligations as well.
- Financing the installation of a wind turbine must include the costs associated with its ongoing operation and maintenance.
- Wind turbines operate most effectively 120 feet to 250 feet up in the air, which means they require attention to tower construction and zoning considerations.
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