Homeowners in one Long Island town can now add windmills to their backyards.
The guidelines crafted by the Town of Islip allow homeowners to erect wind turbines up to 45-feet high on their residential property. But the turbines will have to be set back from property lines and emit only as much sound as street traffic in suburbia.
The guidelines are aimed at allowing residents to reduce dependence on the power grid.
But Eastern Energy Systems director Jeff Leng says the height restrictions could limit the effectiveness of the windmills. The wind technology company says 45-foot tall wind turbines cost about $23,000 to install. The homeowner's bill could be reduced by $700 per year.
Other Long Island towns permit wind turbines, but only on larger properties like farms and wineries.
