VALUE TO COMMUNITIES
Wind power can play a significant role in the revitalization of rural economies. Wind plants contribute to the local tax base for schools and infrastructure. Landowners receive payments as rent or royalty for use of their land.

TAXES
The cost of constructing a wind power plant is about $1 million per megawatt, with approximately 75%-80% of the cost attributed to a wind turbine and tower, and the balance invested in electrical systems, foundations, and roads. Various jurisdictions treat property taxes differently, depending on state and local statutes. Some states provide sales tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment as incentive for development. Some counties will abate certain portions of local taxes as incentive to promote development. Property taxes can become a significant percentage of a project’s overall operating budget and may affect the price of energy that a developer can sell to a utility under a competitive procurement process.

Wind farms create jobs and local spending. Horizon takes great satisfaction partnering with communities to help revitalize rural economies.

LAND USE
Wind project development typically occurs in rural areas where wind resources are abundant and the operation of the wind farm is compatible with existing land use.

The construction of a wind farm in agricultural areas will remove approximately .4 -.7 acres of land from active production per megawatt of installed capacity. The total amount of area within a wind plant boundary can vary, depending upon wind resource characteristics and land terrain. For example, the 15 MW Mill Run Wind Power Project in Pennsylvania is situated on a ridge consisting of just over 200 acres, or about 15 acres per megawatt. By contrast, the Top of Iowa Wind Farm is situated on nearly 5600 acres of land, or nearly 70 acres per megawatt.

In both cases, the actual land taken out of active agricultural production is only about .5 acres per megawatt. The primary use of the land is for access roads to the wind turbine locations, a small area for the wind machine and electrical transformer, and a graveled pad area for a crane for construction and maintenance.

PLANNING AND ZONING
Depending on jurisdiction and existing zoning/use requirements, a developer will approach local boards for variances or approvals for wind power plants. Facilities to be installed are roads, wind turbine foundations, underground high voltage and low voltage electrical cables, overhead power lines, and the wind turbines. Life of the project is predicted at 30 years, although many developers will ask for option extensions from 35 to 50 years depending upon the status of the project and the energy industry. Horizon is familiar with and accustomed to considering wildlife, noise, FAA/aviation, NPDES/erosion and sedimentation control, dust control, road use/encroachment, and other compliance requirements.