Are wind turbines noisy?
Wind turbines are not noisy. The evolution of wind farm technology over the past decade has rendered mechanical noise from turbines almost undetectable with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower. There are strict guidelines on wind turbines and noise emissions to ensure the protection of residential amenity. It is possible to stand underneath a turbine and hold a conversation without having to raise your voice. As wind speed rises, the noise of the wind masks the noise made by wind turbines. For more information, read the facts about noise from wind turbines or why not visit a wind farm and experience it for yourself.
No. Every study done reveals that even large wind farm turbines are so quiet that a normal conversation can be held right at the base of the tower. Since sound levels drop off at approximately the square of the distance, by the time you are 100 metres away from the tower, the turbine sound is usually masked by the ambient surrounding noise. In fact, as the wind increases (and the turbine becomes more active) the sound of the wind more than covers the sound of the turbine.
