WELCOME TO OUR Domestic Wind Turbines PROJECT
This project is presented by Solar Direct Savings
Summary: Advice on how to take advantage of wind power and information on the different types of domestic wind turbines available for the home
The growing number of domestic wind turbines has added a whole new significance to the saying ‘as free as the wind’.
There are two types of systems and the decision on which one to use depends upon the energy output required by the installer. For low-output users a small unit can be attached to the house – usually the roof, but a free-standing pole would be needed for larger turbines.
The method of generating electricity from fresh air is extremely simple! The wind moves the blades of the turbine which in turn drives a rotating shaft and the energy is then converted into electricity by a generator.
Self-builders (who are usually in the front of the eco-warrior army!) have an advantage over existing property owners in that the equipment necessary for the generation of domestic power can be designed into the new building so it is less intrusive.
Recent independent investigations have refuted the claim that the smaller type of domestic wind turbines could not generate enough power to cover the installation costs. It is now thought that over 450,000 locations exist in the UK where turbine power would be viable, although only 2,000 turbines are currently installed!
It is generally accepted that pole-mounted turbines perform better than those attached to buildings, particularly those in urban areas where the quality of wind is generally less suitable for power generation. This is usually caused by the proximity of nearby buildings producing a more intermittent delivery of moving air.
Assessing the cost savings involved in the installation of domestic wind turbines can be confusing. This is mainly due to the unreliability of the wind speed, the claims made by some turbine manufacturers and the optimistic evaluations in some existing case studies!
The situation is further complicated by the different tariffs charged by local energy providers when making overall comparisons. Surplus energy can be sold back to the National Grid provided that the property is already connected to it. In remote areas where there is no connection, the surplus energy can be stored in batteries but these can cost £500 and have a limited working life of between seven and ten years.
The cost of a roof-mounted domestic wind turbine system should be about between £1,500 and £2,000 (less for self-builders where the VAT can be reclaimed on the materials). The range of installation costs for pole-mounted systems start from £10,000 depending upon the location and consumption requirements of the user.
But even if the installation of this type of energy saving system produces small or even no savings, there is still the satisfaction of contributing towards the fight against global warming!
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