Shadow flicker occurs when the blades of a wind turbine move through the sunlight and cast a moving shadow. The taller the turbine the further the shadow can be projected. Turbines sited on hills can cast shadows up to a kilometre or more away. The effect is similar to a stroboscopic light. It can last for several hours and when cast on homes is intrusive and stressful.

The animation shows the impact of the shadow of a wind turbine on the surrounding area over a 24 hour period.