Falmouth Solar Field Noise / Humming

Falmouth is planning to develop one of the largest solar fields in Massachusetts. At 13 megawatts, it includes three solar projects on the historic Cape Cod Country Club. The noise undoubtedly will be the loudest.

To put it in perspective, in 2014, the installation of a smaller municipal solar field in Smith Hollow, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, added a humming sound that drowned out other neighborhood sounds.

Some of the causes of noise:
• Electrical humming: Transformers and other electrical components vibrate at high frequencies as electricity flows through them, creating a continuous low hum.
• Cooling fans: Inverters generate heat and use cooling fans to prevent overheating. These fans can become louder, especially during periods of high energy demand or hot weather.
• High-pitched coil whine: When an inverter is working hard, it can produce a high-pitched, ringing sound as electronic components like coils vibrate.
• Clicking or beeping: These sounds can occur during the startup and shutdown cycles of the inverter, or when it switches between power sources.

# Note: Between 2010 and 2012, the Town of Falmouth installed two town-owned wind turbines. The noise created years of litigation and removal in 2022.

The town was warned before the installation that the turbines generated 110 decibels of noise each.

The public was informed about the noise letter after installation and a Freedom of Information request, FOIA

See Letter

August 3, 2010
Mr. Redacted WasteWater Superintendent
Town of Falmouth Public Works
59 Town Hall Square, Falmouth, MA 02540

RE: Falmouth WWTF Wind Energy Facility II "Wind II", Falmouth, MA
Contract No. #3297
Dear Redacted,
Due to the sound concerns regarding the first wind turbine installed at the wastewater treatment facility, the manufacturer of the turbines, Vestas, is keen for the Town of Falmouth to understand the possible noise and other risks associated with the installation of the second wind turbine.
The Town has previously been provided with the Octave Band Data / Sound performance for the V82 turbine. This shows that the turbine normally operates at 103.2dB but the manufacturer has also stated that it may produce up to 110dB under certain circumstances. These measurements are based on IEC standards for sound measurement which is calculated at a height of 10m above of the base of the turbine.

We understand that a sound study is being performed to determine what, if any, Impacts the second turbine will have to the nearest residences. Please be advised that should noise concerns arise with this turbine, the only option to mitigate normal operating sound from the V82 is to shut down the machine at certain wind speeds and directions. Naturally this would detrimentally affect power production.
The manufacturer also needs confirmation that the Town of Falmouth understands they are fully responsible for the site selection of the turbine and bear all responsibilities to address any mitigation needs of the neighbors.

Truncicated letter, click link to read original wind turbine noise warning letter;