Obstruction lights
All wind turbines taller than 45 meters must be equipped with flashing lights, a light referred to as obstruction lights or aviation lights.
Ice formation on blades
Ice formation on the blades of Vestas wind turbines (V136) in northern Småland on January 21, 2026. The video shows how ice formation occurs and how the turbines are operated to shake off the ice, as these turbines do not have blade heating. They are run at 12 revolutions per minute for a minute or a few minutes, then slowed down to three revolutions per minute; they change direction (frequently) and continue in this manner. In the evening and at night, the turbines can be heard over a large area. With noise levels approaching 60 dBA at a residence 1,000 meters from the turbines and 45 dBA 5 km from the turbines. The day after, there is barely any ice left on the blades, nor is there any significant amount of thrown ice near the turbines, which must mean that the ice from the blades has been thrown a long distance. A calculation shows that the ice has been thrown between 350 to just over 600 meters from the turbines.
Wind turbines that are 45–150 meters tall must be equipped with a flashing, medium-intensity red light.
Wind turbines that are 150 meters tall must be equipped with a flashing, high-intensity white light.
This means that the light markings from wind turbines can disturb residents both during the evening and at night. There are currently no guidelines for these disturbances, but it is important to try to describe the lighting phenomena around the clock as accurately as possible during presentations, visualizations, and the like. Source: The Swedish Energy Agency.
The turbines planned today are so tall (the turbine itself sits at heights exceeding 150 meters) that in addition to the high-intensity white flashing light on the turbine, there must also be three steady red lights in the middle of the tower.
This means that the light markings from wind turbines can disturb residents both during the evening and at night. There are currently no guidelines for these disturbances, but it is important to try to describe the lighting phenomena around the clock as accurately as possible during presentations, visualizations, and the like. Source: The Swedish Energy Agency.
The turbines planned today are so tall (the turbine itself sits at heights exceeding 150 meters) that in addition to the high-intensity white flashing light on the turbine, there must also be three steady red lights in the middle of the tower.
Under Obstruction Lights, there are videos of obstruction lighting at different times, in various weather conditions, seasons, and at different distances from the turbines.
Wind Energy
Wind power generates emotions and discussions, and it has an impact in many ways. This page addresses the impact on the area where a development has taken place. Primarily the impact of the obstruction lighting, but also the effects of noise, shadows, and other impacts.
The sound 800 metres from wind turbines 3-5 January 2026
Sound / Noise
Wind turbines make noise. The movement of the blades in the air generates noise, and the turbine and cooling units also emit sound. Wind turbines have a distinct sound of their own. During consultations, and on other occasions when the noise from a wind turbine is discussed, the representative from the company wishing to build the turbines often states that they sound like a refrigerator or that natural sounds usually mask the noise from the turbines.
A comparison of what a location sounds like with operating wind turbines versus how it would sound if there were no wind power there.
A comparison of what a location sounds like with operating wind turbines versus how it would sound if there were no wind power there. Read more, and above all, listen under the Noise section.
Lightning strikes a blade of a turbine in Sötterfällan, The turbine stops.
Sötterfällan
In August 2019, the Sötterfällan wind farm was commissioned. This development consists of ten Vestas V136 turbines. Since the turbines have been running for a few years, one gets an idea of a development’s impact on the surroundings.
In August 2019, the Sötterfällan wind farm was commissioned. This development consists of ten Vestas V136 turbines. Since the turbines have been running for a few years, one gets an idea of a development’s impact on the surroundings. Read more under Sötterfällan.
The obstruction lighting at Sötterfällan seen from different locations in varying weather conditions.
The sound 1000 metres from turbines
Shadow effect at 1000 metres from wind turbines.
The Windapp
How does a wind farm development impact you? Does it affect the property value of your home or summer cottage? Would you be affected by the noise from the turbines? Vindappen provides an indication of whether an existing or planned development affects property values. It also shows the potential impact of the noise. Vindappen.se/app/