Comments from Daniel Alberts

As we develop policy related for large-scale large-scale wind farms, we should be careful not to word the regulations to discourage distributed or on-site generation. Wind parks with horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) require large setbacks from the property lines to ensure safety and avoid conflicts with adjacent land use. 

However, technology is also being developed that can be placed closer to where the electricity is needed. Quiet Revolution, for example, is developing small vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) that are suitable for on-site and distributed generation. 

http://www.quietrevolution.co.uk/products_in_development.htm

Their smallest turbine could easily be installed on top of commercial buildings. Their medium size model could be installed in an office park or industrial center. VAWTs have a much smaller footprint than the HAWTs, and will not require the same setbacks. 

If Maine is concerned with reliability and security, then [in addition to the policies and regulations for large-scale wind farms] we should also develop policy and regulations that enable installation of on-site and distributed wind energy.