Why do some people oppose wind power while very few object to solar power?

You can see that at least in some instances, people object to the government subsidies paid to develop the infrastructure and that isn't restricted to either wind or solar. One source I found said renewable energy received $14.7 billion dollars in subsidies in 2010. Because of this, they support oil and gas production. However, another source I found said that the oil industry receives $4 billion in subsidies a year. Considerably less than renewables until you add the cost of American military invervention in the Middle East to maintain supplies as well as aid to Middle Eastern countries...let's see-I think aid requested in 2011 was somewhere around 7 billion and the military cost has been around $225 billion a year. So someone who objects to renewables based on subsidies of 14.7 billion should, by all rights, also object to aid of $236 billion a year to maintain foreign oil. However, it is what it is-we're dependent on oil and a large portion of that is imported-this isn't a situation that is going to change overnight or in the course of a decade, so it's not like we can just pack up, shut off the lights and go home, and quit spending $236 billion dollars a year. However, some of us should perhaps reconsider our objections to renewables on the basis of their development costing taxpayers $14 billion a year-that seems pretty paltry compared to what it costs to maintain our supplies of foreign oil. I think we ought to double the investment in renewables and devote the additional money to hardcore research into efficiency and large scale production of renewables of all sorts-if we could just cut the military costs by 15% we'd save more than it would cost...and we haven't even discussed the cost in terms of human life. What are 6,000 American lives worth to us? Other popular reasons for opposing wind and comments on each: 1) Most people dislike the appearance. This is a valid complaint, but it is certainly not confined to wind farms, although they tend to take up more visible space. Most power plants and infrastructure are less than attractive too; cell phone transmission towers are also eyesores. The bigger problem with wind turbines is they have to be in higher wind areas and those are often more appealing visually without them, while power plants are more often put in areas that are already developed at least to some extent. Solar doesn't stick up in the air as high and large installations tend to be in more remote areas, like deserts where fewer people go for recreation, etc. They're easier to not see. 2) Lack of efficiency. Maintenance is a bigger issue with wind than solar, but any kind of energy producing infrastructure needs maintenance and upkeep. Wind speeds are also frequently cited as a criticism of wind turbines, but that is generally a myth. Turbines are optimized to generate electricity at around 17 rpm, so the rotor maintenance and breakdowns are not as critical as some claim-automobile engines run at 2,000 rpm for tens of thousands of miles without breakdown. The machines are tougher than people think, and it doesn't take as much wind as people want to think it does. Plus, when the winds are higher than desirable, the pitch of the blades is changed by computer and often controlled at a central location to run at the constant optimal rpm, so they don't have to be 'shut down' if the wind is blowing too hard. . 3) Noise pollution-a minor enough issue and less than most energy production; any energy plant diststubs wildlife and nearbye neighbors in one way or another. Wind energy is more disturbing than solar. 4) Bird kill. Publicized by the Altamont Pass wind farm, the bird kill is an issue compared to solar, but EPA rules established since require the farms not be placed in migratory paths, which was the main problem. Still, solar doesn't kill as many birds. All things considered, wind has more advantages than disadvantages over other forms of energy production so I'm a supporter of them and I am no 'not in my back yard' type of person-they are in my 'back yard.' I can see the nearest windfarm from my house, and they're all over the place in the area where I live. However, I think solar will be a better solution once the costs come down more and the efficiency goes up. Much better to have individual homes generating their own energy in small installations than large installations to do the same thing. More economic independence and freedom, safety, environmental benefits. What's not to like?

As the wind turbines make some noise, changes rural views, I think for those reasons some people oppose wind power.

I like wind power. Solar power sucks.

Unfortunately Bush there are many dimwits out there who don't like the way the turbines look and somehow think that this factor weighs heavily in the decision whether to build them or not. It's called aesthetic degradation and gets in the way of many wind farm plans going through to the construction stage.

So much intersting.However i prefer solar energy to wind.In near future most of us must rely on solar energy beacause our source of power is very limited.If you look though the whole situation you will realise the real thing.

1. You are comparing apples and oranges by talking about "commercial" wind power, and "personal" solar power. 2. Many do not want EITHER in "commercial" sizes in their neighborhood. 3. NEITHER produce "totally" clean energy, as there IS a downside to the production of the equipment itself, and solar has a bigger downside AT THIS TIME in that respect.

Don't worry. Help is coming: http://www.alternet.org/environment/155359/conservative_thinktanks_launch_campaign_to_turn_americans_against_wind_energy/?page=entire

Some people oppose wind power while very few object to solar power because it low voltage.But climate is changing day by day.Now warm is increasing of the world.Strong wind damage to the solar plant.

Wind power can somewhat affect on birds life.A lot of forest area or the place is needed.In case of solar energy,it is unlimited and can be used indefinitely if properly it can be utilized.