Wind Power's Energetic Fans

The Southern Maryland cooperative had never received an application for a wind turbine, so an official had to create a form for Robinson. And because the county zoning board generally addresses requests to build sheds or in-ground swimming pools, it isn't sure how to deal with an application for a windmill, either.

"It's always an uphill battle," said Carlos Fernandez Bueno, a surgeon who started selling windmills out of his Frederick County home in 2006. "People get rejected because there's not a zoning code that applies, but the counties aren't being proactive to create the zoning codes."

Fernandez Bueno has sold 70 windmills at $10,000 to $13,000 each, making him a top supplier in the United States. Most of his units have been shipped to Delaware, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the West Coast, where states offer generous rebates or tax credits for owners. He knows of four windmill owners, including himself, in Maryland -- some in Carroll County, which has an ordinance governing wind turbines.

To plead their case to the zoning board, Robinson and his wife created a three-minute online slideshow. Set to Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," the video promotes the benefits of wind energy.

"The proposed windmill is within sight of the 700-foot towers of the coal-generating plant in Morgantown, creating a clear contrast of old-versus-new and dirty-versus-clean technology," the slideshow's narrator says.

Even if Robinson clears all of the governmental hurdles, the experiences of other windmill owners suggest that he could face other challenges. Some have found that their lots don't consistently provide enough wind to make the investment worthwhile; others say their neighbors complain that the windmills are too noisy or block their views.

Michael Mercurio of New Jersey is in litigation with his neighbors over the sound from his windmill, which he and manufacturers liken to the noise produced by a refrigerator.

Anticipating such possibilities, Robinson spoke to his neighbors about his plan. He received only positive feedback, partly because the windmill would operate more than 500 feet from other houses. One couple, similarly fed up with high electricity rates and Mirant's looming smokestacks, is considering building a windmill if Robinson's is approved.

Robinson and state and local officials agree that more personal-use wind turbines will probably be constructed. But the technology would have to become more accessible. The price and minimum wind requirements for efficiency are prohibitive for many area residents.

"If I'm spending $20,000 in 2008, the cost will be $10,000 in two or three years and $5,000 after that," Robinson said. "Somebody just has to go first."