Silicon Valley homeowners want wind turbine rules (San Jose)

When it comes to wind power in Silicon Valley, urban turbines are posing a perplexing problem.

Most local governments don’t have a road map as to if and where so-called “small” wind systems can be approved and installed. But as the systems gain attention as an alternative source of energy among those looking to go green, wind advocates are seeking direction as to what, exactly, will fly.

n the case of retired Sun Microsystems Inc. executive Barry Porter and his wife and designer Susan Porter, the answer turned out to be a “no” from the California Coastal Commission on their request to install a 35-foot turbine system on the house they built on a cliff overlooking the ocean in the Pleasure Point area of Santa Cruz.

Read the full story in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.