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Micro turbines do not pose legal or regulatory issues in their implementation, but other turbines and wind systems (even small turbines at the scale of a single home) will demand them.This legal demand vary widely among states and jurisdictions, but it is mainly of four types:
- zoning bylaws; Looking for Help & Legal issues In some cases, the easiest way wind power developers have to escape to regulatory and legal daunting tasks, is to obtain the services of someone familiar with wind projects legal stuff.
In the USA case you may look for consultants at the
American Wind Energy Association
directory.
Lawyers familiar with the local legal issues may also help you to deal with the permitting process.
Also in USA, for information on legal issues, see:
Windustry
Before investing in a wind energy turbine, you should know the zoning bylaws applicable to your project and your property. Call your local building inspector, or planning board, to know the zoning requirements, and to obtain a building permit. Most restrictions to wind turbines occur in populated areas due to the wind tower’s height, or to concerns involving safety and aesthetical issues. Restrictions to the height (height limits of 10 meters, for instance) of the wind towers are very common in areas close to residential lots, and they may turn a wind project impossible. Take also into account regulations about the height of wind towers near local airports. Contact the airport authorities, if it is the case. In the case of wind farms and large turbines it is usually necessary a structural plan, involving the system and the site, made by a professional engineer. In other cases, the turbine manufacturer documentation are usually sufficient.
Authorities may demand certified wiring and installation, certified turbine components (blades, rotor...), fire certified elements, electrical safety components, etc. Many of these elements and certifications are part of the wind system, supplied by the manufacturer and the installer. They include the accomplishment of electrical codes, certifications and tests made by laboratories, or industry standards. If the wind turbine is connected to the grid, the machine's components and the installation should also obey to safety and electrical power codes and requirements. The installer (or the utility) will help you in this matter, supplying the correspondent elements or information.
Medium and large wind systems may also be subject to environmental assessments. These studies and their content are usually lengthy and may involve public consultations (in the case of large onshore systems). In small wind systems, the legal environmental framework isn’t usually very demanding or simply doesn’t exist.
Wind turbines are safe equipments. But… there is always some safeguards, and wind system developers face some obligations and insurance demands. Chances of damage, accidents or problems are very reduced, but the risk of fire, ice throwing, lightning and theft are often object of coverage, and you should contact your insurance company, putting the issue to them. Authorities may demand turbines and wind systems to be covered by policies… In the case of small wind systems, common homeowner insurance policies can be applied and extended in order to cover possible damages or potential injuries caused by the wind turbine.
Note:
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