There are more and more wind turbines filling the rural skyline today. Urban turbines or "urbines" face limitations that rural installations do not.

With a good understanding of wind turbines, the important question is whether wind turbines are suitable in urban applications. Although still hotly debated, turbines are being installed on places such as billboards or treetops even if they are unusual or controversial. Some believe that wind turbines can be installed almost anywhere, urban or suburban.

But not all share the same enthusiasm for wind power. Close neighbors may not be familiar enough with a turbine's functional properties to know that there will be no disturbance to them or their lifestyle, much like wondering whether roof-mounted PV panels will have a negative effect on their home.

It is important to ensure that the ideal tower height (which refers to the actual tower height without the working "ground" roofs and building levels) is identified for the best laminar airflow. This fact is critical.

A roof-installed wind turbine on a suburban home is bound to generate some noise, static and dynamic mechanical load which the house was not originally designed to handle.

There are many reactions to the noise made by wind turbines; some (especially the owners) feel a harmony with nature, while others are put off by the volume. The perfect urbine is being tested and developed actively in many universities and research centers all over the world.

The moral behind the urbine story is to tread carefully while assessing the risks before you purchase and install one. It's not as easy as a rural setup and should be reconsidered if there are other energy technologies available.