How to harness the power of the wind
Have you considered using wind power to supplement the energy you use at home?
Generating renewable energy using domestic wind turbines will help to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Also you are likely to find that, as you become aware of how much effort is needed to generate electricity, you will be more likely to find ways to conserve the energy you use.
Using Microwind turbines
Small-scale wind turbines are also known as microwind, or small-wind turbines. They convert wind energy into usable electricity for your home, so you can power your lights and electrical goods. In addition providing you qualify for the government’s Feed-in-Tariff scheme you can also receive payments for every unit of electricity you generate. If you generate electricity you don’t use this ‘extra’ electricity can be exported back to the National Grid.
Find out more about the Feed-in-Tariff Scheme.
You have a choice of mounting the turbine on your roof, or on a mast to make it freestanding. Your choice will depend on the land you have available, and on what is the the most efficient way of capturing wind energy in your area.
Obviously turbines work best in areas where exposure to the wind is unrestricted.
So how effective is a domestic wind turbine?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, wind turbines are a viable source of self-generated energy for the home owner. The Energy Trust is a social enterprise company with charity status, aiming to help Britain reduce carbon emissions, use water more sustainably and save money on energy bills.
“A well sited 6kW turbine could generate around 10,000kWh per year which is equivalent to around 5.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. A system this size could generate income and savings of around £3,200 a year when eligible for the Feed-In Tariff” Energy Saving Trust
Can you move a wind turbine?
If you move house it is possible to relocate your turbine, providing the new site is suitable. However there are costs involved with dismantling and reinstalling, so you might be better off using your money-saving device as a selling point, and planning to put in a new one at your new home.
For more information on Green energy including wind power, visit our Green Living section.
Our Green Living pages are written in conjunction with our ‘Green’ partners Be Energy Smart. Their website is full of useful information about energy saving initiatives, and generating green energy, including questions and answers, and free energy assessments for your home.
