Wind turbines work considerably better than most people give them credit for, huge amounts of electrical energy are collectively generated by the worlds wind turbines on an annual basis. As individuals, we can on a domestic basis add to this production quite easily, the installation process is not as difficult as most people would imagine, or, as outrageously expensive as some people think.

Wind turbines work on the principle that the winds forces will rotate aerodynamic blades, using the embodied kinetic energy to turn a rotor, which will in turn, generate electricity.

Wind, is simply energy in motion, it 's caused by a number of factors, including contours in the earths surface, the suns warming effects, and other climatic conditions. During the day, the air above the land mass heats up much more quickly than air over the world oceans, the warm air over the land expands and rises and the cooler heavier air rushes in to take its place, thus creating winds. At night, the reverse action takes place as the air over the land mass cools more quickly than that over the water.

The sun radiates 1 PW (petawatt), or 1014KWh, of energy every hour, only 3% of this energy is converted into wind energy, and just 3% of this wind energy, if harnessed is capable of meeting the global energy demand today. This highlights a massive untapped energy resource waiting to be utilised for the good of the planet.

Wind energy, is currently one of the fastest expanding growth markets within the renewables industry, like all expanding markets, there are many good products, and some no so good, care must be advocated when choosing a wind turbine, design suitability, must come before cost, not all turbines work in all environments.

Wind resources, are somewhat predictably, best along coastal and hilltop locations, but usable wind resources are still economically available and found in many urban locations. With the use of low speed "urban turbines" this energy can be harvested and utilized for all manner of domestic and commercial applications. Wind energy is somewhat less predictable than solar photovoltaic energy, but it will generally be available most days of the year, and in increasing amounts during Winter when the electricity requirement is greatest.

Wind turbines, cannot just be installed anywhere, they need to be mounted as high as practically possible, as the collection efficiency is seriously reduced by high trees, neighbouring structures, and any type of obstacles that diverts the wind from the turbine. Wind energy, is thus much more site specific than solar Pv installations, and any potential site needs to be professionally surveyed prior to installation.

As wind turbines generate varying degrees of electrical power under differing wind conditions, thus making it difficult to state an exact output, to overcome this, and standardise the outputs all wind turbine outputs are collectively measured in KWp (kilowatt peak), this is the units maximum operational output at peak performance.

Domestic wind turbines, that can be classed as reasonably useful commence at 2.0 KWp upto around 5KWp, these units will generally cope with a buildings electrical base load year around and provide some additional power for space and water heating. There are available smaller units, these tend to be wall mounted high revolution rotor models sold by some of the larger DIY outlets, they unfortunately rarely produce any beneficial performance or financial savings in real terms and tend to be rather noisy due to the high rotor speeds.

Larger semi-commercial wind turbine units rated @ 10, 20, 30, 50 or even 250 kWp are all proven products and extremely cost efficient, however obtaining the relevant planning permission maybe somewhat more of a challenge for the prospective wind crofter.

The average cost of a fully installed 5KWp domestic turbine is in the region of £17,000-£ 21,000 dependant upon site location and site requirements.

The cost effectiveness of installing a wind turbine really depends on two main factors, if the proposed installation is eligible for any form of low energy grant from the government, will any surplus "spillage" electricity be purchased back by the local electricity provider for a reasonable price. In Germany, Italy and even areas of the UK electricity generated by renewables is purchased at a premium rate well in excess of the normal retail cost per KW from the local electricity provider in an effort to assist the installer and offset the costs of initial installation of the turbine.  

If you require any further information please contact us.