Kane Co. might allow mini wind turbines

The winds of earth-friendly change may be blowing in a neighbor's yard fairly soon as Kane County considers allowing homeowners to set up their own wind turbines.

Kane County Development Department employees told county board members Tuesday they're receiving more requests by residents for permission and guidelines on setting up small wind turbines on their property that are just large enough to power their home or business.

The county brought in an expert on the industry and devices, Fred Iutzi from Western Illinois University, to describe the advantages and pitfalls of the mini turbines. Iutzi told board members the devices are often as small as a typical flagpole, but the higher the turbines stretch into the sky, the better they are at generating power. Studies show the addition of small wind turbines to residences results in either an increase or no change to local property values. Iutzi said the popularity of wind turbines has increased by a factor of 10 in the past five years.

Despite the plusses, board members said they want to research the issue more before developing the zoning requirements necessary to regulate the turbines. Board Member Mike Kenyon expressed concern about the aesthetics of too many turbines popping up in any given area, particularly in parts of the county that are mostly open space. Other board members had questions about noise and health issues caused by the turbines. Iutzi assured the board that noise generation is minimal, typically less than a chain striking a flagpole on a windy day, and the health issues are no different from any device that generates energy.