Lots of speculation going on here. Portsmouth, RI now has a municipally owned large wind turbine that was brought on line this spring. It's pretty big by most standards at 1.5 Mega Watts. The town "Voted" to do this project. I voted against..but have since become a supporter. The initial cost was to have been $4 million. A deal was struck and it was a done deal at $3 million.
Portsmouth has plenty of wind.... overlooking Narragansett Bay...the Sailing Capitol of the world.
I have been there when the turbine is running Full Tilt....which is most of the time ...@ 19 RPM. The only sound you hear is the Whoosh Whoosh of the blades as they pass the tower, You can stand directly under the blades if you wish during operation. The turbine is accesable to the public...not surrounded by a fence. It is a worthwhile experience. It is a magnificent
"Machine" ...AND a
"Sculpture" at the same time. It makes over 2000 Horse Power. NB
Click on the
Wind Energy button which is prominent on the town homepage. below:
http://www.portsmouthri.com/frames.htm