The expansion of wind energy in the United States over the last decade has resulted in the development of approximately 20 wind farms throughout Pennsylvania. The regulation of these wind farms has generally been performed by the local authorities in whose jurisdictions they are located. It is well known that wind farms from time to time make noise, produce vibrations or create a "flicker" or "strobe" effect (which occurs when the sun is near the horizon and alternating shadows of light and dark are reflected by a wind turbine's blades), all of which have the potential to be heard or seen on properties neighboring the wind farm.
As such, wind farm developers often conduct noise and vibration studies during the development stage to minimize noise and ensure that any noise generated will be within local ordinance limits. Additionally, developers generally attempt to design wind farms to minimize any flicker or strobe effect from the wind turbines.
