Wind Power, Farmers, and Climate Change

Steve Smiley, President, Bay Energy Services (231) 271-4850, smiley@traverse.com

Basic Farm Site Requirements for Commercial Wind Power

  • Minimum acreage: 20-40 acres
  • No wetlands, minimum of trees at windmill site
  • Flat or open ground exposed to all compass directions
  • Preferably zoned agriculture
  • 800 Ft. Minimum to closest residence from windmill
  • Distance between large windmills: 700-1200 Ft.
  • Three Phase electric power lies within one mile
  • Substation within one to three miles for larger projects
  • Zoning and permitting capabilities from local township

Land Lease Option

Typical Utility Easement Terms for Farmers

  • 25-30 years minimum
  • Approximately 2 acres for construction and service
  • Top soil returned to foundation site
  • Minimum access road improvement
  • Farming allowed up to windmill base
  • Right to compensation for damage to crops
  • Initial signing fee: $200-500, fixed, nonrefundable
  • $200 -$500 per windmill per month depending on site quality ($2400 to $6,000 per year)
  • Alternative to fixed payment of 2% to 4% royalty of revenues depending upon price of electricity sold
  • Monthly payments begin upon construction of windmill
  • Underground power lines below plow depth to edge of property
  • Indemnification to protect both parities
  • Personal property tax paid by windmill owner
  • Land taxes paid by farmer
  • Assignability for both parties
  • Insurance
  • Wind resource test period allowed at no additional cost

Ownership Option - Conditions for Commercial Windmill Ownership by Farmer

  • Good wind site
  • Secure Payment for electricity of 5-8 cents kWh
  • Ability to utilize tax advantages from 5 year accelerated depreciation and tax credit of 1.7 cents/kWh
  • Ability to utilize some power, net metering
  • Long-term financing or cash available
  • Return of investment 10% plus as goal
  • Cost of windmill: $1,000+ per installed peak kilowatt

Back to Smiley Presentation