Abstract
We use a conjoint-based discrete choice survey to examine willingness-to-accept of different characteristics of hypothetical wind projects. Our study includes participants from two Massachusetts (U.S.) coastal municipalities (Gloucester and Rockport) that have an existing onshore wind project (n = 192). Participants were presented with several alternatives for new wind projects with varying attributes including: town location, site within the location (and thus distance from a participant's home), savings on a participant's energy bill, and increased tax revenue. We find little evidence that participants preferred living far from projects, even within 1 mile. Participants preferred onshore to offshore projects, and required $17/month of compensation to be willing to accept an offshore project. This result may have been driven by the coastal community's prior positive experience with an existing onshore wind project, as well as a cultural identity that favors unobstructed ocean views. Our results further the understanding of the perceived costs of living near wind projects and provide insights to developers and policymakers on how best to increase installed capacity of wind energy.