The survey aimed to fill this gap in knowledge by talking with households living near land-based wind power projects. The results showed that attitudes were often shaped early on by developer transparency and the community's feelings of fairness.

“If there is some give and take on the number and location of wind turbines, you will end up with happier communities where people feel they had a legitimate voice in the process,” Firestone said.

Holding open meetings, however, won't improve public perceptions on their own, according to the survey. Residents need to feel as though they actually had a hand in the design, layout and location of the turbines.

“Given the price drops of renewable energy projects over the last few years, I expect we will see more land-based wind and commercial solar projects,” Firestone said. “If developers want to continue building projects then it is important to be sensitive to these issues.”