What makes a good site?
We have yet to encounter the “perfect” site and find that most sites have their merits with one favourable factor possibly making up for a less favourable one but the main requirements are as follows:
Wind Resource
First and foremost the site needs to be windy. The wind resource tends to be strongest on higher ground and at exposed sites close to the sea. A turbine will normally be sited so that it is exposed to the direction of south-westerly prevailing winds.
Obstacles
The approaches to the site, particularly from the prevailing wind direction, should be clear from large obstructions such as trees or buildings which can slow the wind and cause turbulence reducing the amount of electricity generated.
Dwellings
Turbines should be located at least 400 metres away from the nearest dwelling and possibly more for larger machines to minimize any effects on nearby residents.
Areas of Significance
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Site’s of Special Scientific Interest, National Parks or the presence of nearby sites of archeological significance may hinder gaining planning consent.
Grid
A significant proportion of the capital cost of a wind energy development is incurred in making the grid connection to export the electricity. Small to medium scale developments will ideally have an 11kV substation close by.
Access
The site should have suitable public road access to accommodate delivery of the turbine(s) and crane. This would normally require the presence of 4 metre wide roads in the vicinity of the proposed site with a bend radius of not less than 20°.
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