The following information covers issues that are specific to Wind Energy Projects operating under the Standard Offer Program. For a detailed, general overview of the Standard Offer Program for Renewable Energy projects please follow this link.

Initial wind assessment: In the wind energy case study included in this section the developer spent 16 months assessing the potential of the site for wind generation, which involved erecting a meteorological tower and measuring winds.

“This must be done for at least a full year because of the seasonal nature of wind, and preferably for two years,” he says.

In addition, data collected at the site should be correlated with weather data collected by Environment Canada, taking into account a variety of variable factors such as wind direction, height of the turbine hub, etc.

Also, the wind characteristics of a proposed site may be estimated by accessing Environment Canada's Web site www.windatlas.ca, or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources site www.ontariowindatlas.ca/en/.

Zoning and permits for wind energy projects: Wind energy generators in particular should research the zoning bylaws that apply to a property and project.

Many residential zoning ordinances have a height limit of 11 metres. Most restrictions occur in populated areas where height, safety or aesthetics are issues.

A zoning variance is a project-specific exception from existing zoning regulations. If the zoning code prohibits structures more than 11 metres tall, for example, a wind turbine will probably need a variance from the rule unless special provisions have already been inserted for wind energy systems.

Local county or city planning boards usually have to approve variances. Take note of other tall structures that neighbors may have already accepted, including water towers, rooftop satellite dishes, cellular communications towers, etc.

There are also federal regulations about the height of structures near the approach path to runways at local airports. If you are within 10 miles of an airport, you need to check these regulations with the airport authority.

In addition to zoning issues, your neighbors might object to a wind machine that blocks their view, or they might be concerned about noise.

When seeking a building permit, be prepared to answer questions and clear up common misconceptions about small wind turbines. It's helpful to have case studies and photographs of similar installations.

When you contact your local building inspector, board of supervisors or planning board, find out what documentation is required for your turbine. You may have to submit a structural plan drafted by an engineer, although documents from your turbine manufacturer or dealer may be sufficient. A useful link in this area is http://www.smallwindenergy.ca

In addition to municipal permits, approvals may be required from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation if construction will involve widening of provincial roads, and from Navigation Canada with regard to lighting for aviation safety.

Most Ontario wind projects are on land leased from farmers. The developer sells the electricity generated, while the landowner receives rent or a royalty for use of the land for the period of the lease, usually for at least 20 years.

Environmental assessments and screenings:

• Wind turbines of less than 2 MW are exempt from the environmental assessment and screening processes.
• Wind turbines of greater than 2 MW are subject to the Environmental Screening process.

For more information on the Environmental Assessment and Environmental Screening processes, developers are advised to read the Guide to Environmental Assessment Requirements for Electricity Projects (pages 9-10), and to contact the Ministry of the Environment.

Liability and insurance: Wind turbine owners face liability if the facility poses any threat to the general public – for example, if a tower or rotor falls onto neighbouring property. For small developers, many homeowner insurance policies can be extended to insure against a liability brought about by damage or injury caused by a wind turbine.

The wind turbine itself can be protected by insurance coverage against damage as a result of fire, lightning, ice or theft. Because insurance coverage varies from company to company, you should check with your agent for specifics.

To minimize the likelihood of damage or injury (and possibly the cost for insurance), you should consider reserving a set-back distance of at least one tower height from property lines and structures, and building a safety fence or anti-climb device around the wind turbine tower.

Keeping your wind equipment in top shape should prevent most problems.



Choosing equipment suppliers and manufacturers: Engaging an experienced consultant is advisable when choosing wind technology suppliers.

Generally, developers advise choosing suppliers with established facilities and especially service/maintenance/parts capability in or near the project area. Configuring and maintaining wind energy technologies is a highly specialized field, and maintaining an inventory of parts against contingencies can significantly increase capital costs.

Ongoing operation and maintenance: A Natural Resources Canada booklet entitled Stand-Alone Wind Energy Systems, A Buyer's Guide provides a great deal of helpful information and advice on choosing, purchasing, installing, operating and maintaining small wind turbines.

It states that most commercially available wind energy systems require little owner intervention during operation and will run reliably without troubleshooting or repair for long periods of times.

While minor maintenance such as check oil levels can be done by the owner-operators, more complex tasks such as gear backlash and changing pitch setting require a high degree of expertise.