That tax credit ends on June 30, however, and while it may be extended, some experts, including Mr. Gipe, fear another windmill recession. Europeans, however, are more optimistic. Seventy-five percent of Danish windmills belong to individuals or cooperatives under a program that requires a utility to buy the excess electricity for 85 percent of the retail price. Germany has a similar program, offering 90 percent of the price. Paradoxically, wind turbines are not without their own environmental problems.
Many people think they are ugly and spoil the view.
The first farm was started in 1991 with 11 turbines a few kilometers off the Danish coast. The amount of electricity produced offshore is increased, too, since the sea provides stronger, more regular winds.