| Wind turbines don't do well unless they are out in the | | | | by guy wires. The wind turbine is accessed by climbing |
| wind. You want them in as much clear undisturbed | | | | or on shorter towers the base can be hinged to fold |
| wind as possible. The nearest spot for that is 30 feet | | | | down. These towers can be quite tall. |
| above all the local obstacles. As you might guess that | | | | The free-standing lattice is a more expensive option. |
| can be pretty high depending on what's around. You | | | | This type tower is a tapered steel framework and is |
| need a way to keep the turbine up there. The most | | | | larger at the bottom than top. Because of the tapered |
| common method is to erect a tower. | | | | shape it does not require guy wires. It has to be |
| There are four most commonly used types of towers. | | | | climbed for generator maintenance. |
| These types are guyed-pipe, guyed-lattice, | | | | The tubular monopole tower is even more expensive. |
| free-standing lattice, and tubular monopole. The use of | | | | This tower is a solid tapered steel tube that must be |
| these depends on cost, generator size, height, and | | | | assembled by crane. It does not require guy wires and |
| maintenance requirements. | | | | looks like the metal posts holding up signs and lights on |
| The guyed-pipe is the least expensive and most | | | | the Interstates. This design must be climbed as well for |
| common. This tower is made by putting together | | | | generator maintenance. |
| galvanized steel tubing and held up by steel guy lines. It | | | | The wind generator manufacturers generally specify |
| can't be climbed, so most of time the base is hinged to | | | | the requirements for the towers needed for their |
| allow the tower to fold down for generator | | | | generators. The real danger of wind generators is that |
| maintenance. The hinged method of access limits how | | | | of the tower falling over and damaging someone or |
| tall it can be. | | | | something. Local laws may specify limitations on size |
| The guyed-lattice is the next least expensive kind. This | | | | and types for that reason. |
| tower is made up of three sided framework of the | | | | Because of the danger of falling towers, cost, and |
| kind used in antenna towers. The segments are the | | | | local regulations, it would be wise to consult with an |
| same size all the way up and also must be supported | | | | expert prior to starting construction on the tower. |