1. Rensselaerville Wind Study Committee Public Information & Citizen Feedback Session May 5, 2009 Public Information & Citizen Feedback Session May 5, 2009 Shooting the Breeze about Wind Power in Rensselaerville

2. Committee Goals Recommend: – Zoning Laws, – Policies – Procedures Advisory only

3. Our committee interacts with: / Town Board / Zoning Review Committee / Zoning Board of Appeals / Planning Board / Our Town attorneys / Code Enforcement Officer / Town Clerk and, of course…… / Our Citizens!! Our committee interacts with: / Town Board / Zoning Review Committee / Zoning Board of Appeals / Planning Board / Our Town attorneys / Code Enforcement Officer / Town Clerk and, of course…… / Our Citizens!!

4. Areas of Focus Non-Commercial Wind –Small scale residential, farms, small businesses. –Energy produced to feed that property or to offset energy use on that property alone. Large-Scale Commercial –Energy produced to be sold into the grid. –Generators usually 1.5 mW or larger

5. How our work relates to the Comprehensive Plan State Law: Town Zoning Laws must align with intent of Comprehensive Plan Our Committee’s Resolution Examples from Comp Plan

6. Wind Turbines come in all shapes & sizes

7. Our Goal For Non-Commercial Wind To recommend a simple approach for Town approval of small wind turbines for residential use. Our recommendations will balance landowner’s rights with environmental, health and safety concerns.

8. Non-Commercial Small Scale Wind Power Power produced serves that property only. Includes: Residential, farms, small business, non-profits, local government, etc.

9. Non-Commercial Things to Consider Tower Height Property size Setbacks from structures, property lines, roads, rights of way, viewshed, etc. Generator size (in kW) Neighbor Rights

10. Setback Considerations Non-Commercial (Residential, Farm, Small Business, etc) Visual Impact Noise (Varies with wind speed, size & type of turbine, wind direction) Light (strobe effect/shadow flicker) Fall Zones Right of Way Property Size

11. Residential Wind Power Health & Environmental Considerations

12. AUDIBLE NOISE LEVELS

13. WIND TURBINES AND SOUND Residential wind turbines create sound in many ways –Generator –Bearings –Blades Many of these create audible sound

14. WIND TURBINES AND SOUND For residential turbines most sound would come from the blades The noise depends on the design of the blades, wind speed, icing, atmospheric conditions, and whether there is a load or no load on the turbine.

15. OTHER HEALTH AND WELL- BEING CONSIDERATIONS Shadow flicker when sun is behind the turbine Reflection of sunlight from blades (strobing) Ice throw

16. Small Wind Incentives & Rebates

17. Small Wind Incentives Cash incentives available from NY State through NYSERDA From 15 - 70% depending upon: –Size and brand of turbine. –User: Residence, business, commercial farm, schools, etc. –Tower heightupon installation

18. To Receive Incentive $$ Must be grid connected Use “eligible” installer Obtain all necessary permits Undergo SEQRA process Meet program siting considerations Meet minimum annual wind speed requirement

19. Other Incentives & Assistance NY State Smart Loan Fund Federal & State tax incentives may be available Net metering agreement

20. Does on site small wind make sense for you? Does your property have a good wind source? Current average monthly utility bills? How will wind system affect use of your property? How will it affect your neighbors? Long term investment return?

21. Wrap Up and Invitation Stay involved. It’s a breeze!! Come to our Tuesday 7 PM meetings Visit our website http://www.rensselaerville.com/windstudy.php Join the discussion board (from website) Join our mail list for info & special announcements WindStudyCommittee@gmai l.comWindStudyCommittee@gmai l.com Talk to any one of us