NOISE

Although noise generated from wind turbines used to be a problem, it has largely been eliminated by structural modifications and is hardly an issue anymore. By adjusting the thickness of the blades and by orienting the blades upwind of the turbine tower, a wind turbine 250 meters from a residence is basically no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator.

Here is a diagram that compares decibel levels from a hypothetical wind turbine with other sources of noise at a distance of 250 meters. (Source: http://www.awea.org)

Zoning ordinances developed by some communities do address noise issues by specifying setbacks and allowable noise levels. Overall, the mechanical noise from modern wind turbines has virtually disappeared as an issue.