Residents push to bring wind turbines to small acreage

Submitted

These cylindrical wind energy generators may be popping up in a yard near yours - if the city reviews its wind turbine ordinance and loosens regulations. The turbines pictured cost about $10,000 each and will be sold by McLane Electric.

By Becky Bosshart (contact)

Thursday, April 2, 2009 | 1 a.m.

Sun Valley Automotive

If renewable energy is the wave of the future, then the city of Las Vegas needs to get on board by changing some of its codes, says Terry Buis, a small business owner.

He would like to install a 42-foot wind turbine at his business, Sun Valley Automotive, 4553 N. Rancho Drive. The problem: His city lot is 1 1/2 acres. According to city code, wind turbines are only allowed on residential farms two acres or larger.

Because of an outcry from residents like Buis, the city is reviewing its ordinance.

Buis said the ordinance favors the rich who can afford a large swath of land, but that's not most of middle America.

"Steve Wynn would get it, but not the little guy," said Buis, who has owned his business for 21 years. "They've shut the small guys out and the small guys need a voice, too."

The wind turbine he's looking at costs about $20,000, including the permitting, but he could save up to 60 percent of the cost with federal and local power utility rebates.

"We're trying to get on top of this green energy," he said. "I'm a firm believer in this. And now, with this wind generator, I have a chance to get off the grid and put energy back into the system."

It's also good for his business. His shop manages government fleets and it requests contractors use green solutions.

"We're trying to help the city council to modernize (its) codes in respect to wind energy," said Nancy Tabor, co-owner of McLane Electric. She sells state-of-the-art Skystream wind turbines and new 30-foot cylindrical generators called Windspires. They sell for about half the cost of a Skystream, about $10,000, but produce half the power (500 kilowatt hours a month). And, so far, NV Energy is not offering a rebate on this product.

She, and other wind advocates, would like to see the city ordinance changed to allow wind turbines on any parcel in the city as small as a half-acre, and within 20 feet from the property line. These possible amendments will be discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting on April 23.

Ward 6 City Councilman Steve Ross said there are a lot of renewable energy generators available that are within the average person's budget, and the city needs to help make it happen.

"The right thing is to make these energy conservation means available to the average homeowner, and the average homeowner doesn't live on two acres," he said in a phone interview.

He would like to see a wind turbine in use locally so that the council can see if it creates any excess noise, or if it's any more of a eyesore than a street light or cell phone tower, he said.

Ross will get his wish.

Tabor will erect a wind turbine on her northwest Clark County property in the next 60 days, pending permits.

Discussion: 8 comments so far…

By Sunlizard

4/2/09 at 7:36 a.m.

Suggest removal

This is the way to do it. Clean energy that does not destroy thousands of acres of public lands. No water required. The wave of the future should be this kind of energy. Thanks for writing this up.
By pmmart

4/2/09 at 9:02 a.m.

Suggest removal

What is the noise level of these turbines?

If all of my neighbors install one on the back corner of their property and the whine of the turbine is an annoyance I could be facing another drop in the value of my property.

Another point might be the design of these devices ... should they have to meet guidlines to blend into the aesthetics of the area as changes in Summerlin are required to meet?
By jfnance32

4/2/09 at 9:13 a.m.

Suggest removal

They look ugly.
By Strykertyme

4/2/09 at 10:01 a.m.

Suggest removal

Not as ugly as our economy, or our dependence on foreign oil. But as long as everything looks "nice" I guess that is all that matters.
By Becky Bosshart

4/2/09 at 10:16 a.m.

Suggest removal

My sources report the sound of a wind turbine is minimal (about as loud as a normal conversation). I'll follow the construction of this wind turbine in the northwest and let you know!
By ccurtiss

4/2/09 at 1:14 p.m.

Suggest removal

This is really exciting stuff. I can't wait to see one up and running.
By The_Onion

4/2/09 at 7:32 p.m.

Suggest removal

Nance-

I guess you prefer the look of smoke stacks, slurry ponds, coal ash piles, and polluted surface water?

"They look ugly"? If there was a story about government keeping someone from placing a flag in their yard due to height or noise restrictions you would be asking folks to sign a petition. Why noise? We've all heard a flag snapping in the wind before, much louder than a turbine spinning.
By NancyTabor

4/3/09 at 8:01 a.m.

Suggest removal

Hopefully someday everyone will view renewable energy appliances like they do other necessary outdoor equipment.
Light poles normally aren't works of art but they are necessary. I saw an amazing solar light pole yesterday, no electricity necessary, it's wrapped in solar panel material! Simply amazing what they are inventing.
Air conditioners aren't attractive but we need them. They now make them which are quiet, efficient, and don't pollute. It will take time for these amazing devices to become common place.
Yes, the wind generators are quiet. Thanks to everyone for writing. Anyone who would like to voice support for planning and zoning of wind generators please email me at nancy@mclaneelectric.com.
Thanks to Becky for helping us get the word out on the wind generators!

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