Launch Wind Calculator
The SIAC Process
Small turbinesMedium turbines

Planning Permission

Important considerations

Visual Impact while it’s important to be sensitive to siting, this shouldn’t compromise availability to the prevailing wind..

Noise Levels Noise levels vary between turbine makes, with the gearbox typically contributing most noise. SIAC’s turbines do not have gearboxes, and so the only sound is the swishing of the rotors.

 

Shadow flicker. Under certain rare combinations, sunlight passing through moving rotors can cause a flickering effect. To avoid this, wind turbines should normally be at least 50m (ideally more) from the nearest neighbour’s property. Consideration should be given to buildings with windows within 130’ on either side of north from the turbine, and within 10 x rotor diameter distance. There are no long shadows on the southern side of a turbine.

 

 

Birds and bats. There is no evidence that bird and bats are harmed or affected by small wind turbines. The RSPB actively supports the sustainable development of renewable energy.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Telecommunications. Small scale turbines do not interfere with TV and radio signals, telecommunications equipment and radar. Nor is there any evidence that they cause any more interference to 3-20GHz microwave transmissions than other physical object. Bergey turbines are in any case designed to have very low electromagnetic interference.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Civil Airport. There is no precise rule, but anything less than 20 miles should be checked with the airport authority.

 

  

 

 

Military Installations. Generally, a larger wind turbine will not be allowed in close proximity to a military airfield or radar installation but this may not be such an issue for a small scale turbine. This can be easily checked with the MOD.

 

 

  

 

Designated Areas. Whilst there is not an absolute ban on small wind turbines in National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this should be checked with the local planning officer. Single small turbines can be permitted in areas designated AONB, SSSI, Conservation Areas and National Parks, though each application will be subject to especially close scrutiny.