Wind Turbine – Residential & Domestic Turbines Suppliers & Advice

Solar panels, wind turbines and other sources of renewable energy have received great attention in the UK in recent years. An increasing awareness of climate change issues, coupled with the increase in costs of traditional electricity, have inspired many UK homeowners to invest in domestic systems to provide at least some of their energy requirements.

Overview

The UK climate would seem to lend itself to wind as a source of energy – the average wind speed in the country is high, at around six metres per second. A wind turbine, in addition, is relatively affordable, and when compared to the photo-voltaic panel is very energy-efficient to produce. However, with the average UK household requiring 4 megawatt hours of power per year, domestic energy systems must be extremely efficient to make a significant difference.

Costs and Efficiency

There are a wide variety of turbine systems available. The most common home systems purchased in the UK operate at around 0.5kW, and these basic examples are typically available for around £1500 including installation. Over one year of continuous usage a wind turbine of this size should produce in the region of 600-800kwH. In this sense, a small wind turbine represents good value for money when compared to alternative sustainable energy systems.

But it is with larger turbines that energy costs begin to drop significantly, even when compared with conventional electricity. A 2.5kW turbine, installed with mast and a large lead-acid battery, will typically cost in the region of £7-10,000. A unit of this kind will, assuming average UK windspeed, produce more than 8 megawatt hours per year. This represents a unit cost of electricity of around 8p/kwH over the twenty year lifestyle of the wind turbine.

When recent increases in energy costs are taken into account, this is excellent value for money. On average UK energy costs are around 10-12p/kwH, although this figure is rising sharply. Despite the fact that conventional electricity currently benefits from an “artificially low” unit price, a 2.5kW wind turbine produces electricity more cheaply than is available from the national grid.

Running Costs

It is important to note, however, that there may be running costs associated with the use of a turbine. Batteries may need to be replaced during the lifespan, for example, but this is a relatively small investment. The unit will have to be serviced around once every three years, and clearly there is the possibility – although unlikely – of damage to the turbine. Insurance is also a consideration. Though not compulsory, it may be a good idea since accidents can happen.

Planning Permission

Securing planning permission for a wind turbine can be tricky and is often dependent on where the application is made. Scotland has to date granted permission for 90% of applications, whilst in England only half were granted.

Wind turbines are virtually silent, with mechanical noise a thing of the past. The environmental benefits are immediate, turbines are available relatively cheaply, and the energy required to produce domestic equipment is insignificant when compared to solar. A domestic wind turbine is a sustainable, effective and economical choice of alternative energy.